Ontario is partnering with the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres to build or renovate friendship centres so they continue to play a prominent role in the lives of urban Aboriginal people.

Over the next three years, a number of friendship centres will receive funding through this new program for renovations of existing facilities and new building projects. Friendship centres improve the quality of life for Aboriginal people living in urban areas.

This program will support the creation of short-term construction and renovation jobs across Ontario and is part of the Open Ontario Plan to create jobs and strengthen the province’s economy.

• The Friendship Centre Infrastructure Program is a three-year $8-million capital initiative.
• According to the 2006 Census, 62 per cent of Ontario’s Aboriginal population live in urban centres.
• The Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres provides programming support to friendship centres across Ontario, helping them to deliver a range of programs and services for Aboriginal people.