Approximately $700,000 in funding for companion services in Montreal

Aware of an increasing need for companion services among Montreal’s disabled community, the City of Montreal is providing $425,000 in funding to recreation organizations whose activity programs are open to persons with disabilities. The funding is in addition to the budget allocated to the Montreal area ($304,000) by the provincial government targeting companion services for persons with disabilities.

Thanks to a net budget net of $688,666, the Montreal region was able to respond to the needs of 40% of those who applied for services under the program established for that purpose; needs that represent $1.7 million in costs. Without the City’s contribution, the response would have been limited to 18% of applicants.

During a press conference held May 1, 2005, at the Défi sportif, Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay and Cosmo Maciocia, executive committee member in charge of social development, reiterated their commitment to making Montreal one of the world’s most accessible cities.

"Here, beyond the games, we celebrate the ideal of universal accessibility; an ideal that takes form in a city where all Montrealers have access to the same services and opportunities…" they added.

AlterGo’s president, Sylvain Gamache, hailed the move as a big step forward in the social integration of persons with disabilities.

"There is no question that we are delighted with this announcement. It shows that the City is not just paying lip service, but taking concrete action. Cities and boroughs have major roles to play in providing complete recreational services. The City of Montreal understands the need.

"Companion services for leisure activity represent a bridge toward social integration. The services allow persons with disabilities to more fully experience everything their community has to offer and establish better social networks; in short, to be full-fledged citizens. The funding means that in Montreal this year, 1000 people who could not participate on their own could do so thanks to companion services, thereby enjoying what is often taken for granted: the simple pleasures of recreational activity."