OTTAWA, ONTARIO – Pierre Poilievre, Member of Parliament for Nepean-Carleton, and Bob Chiarelli, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean, together with Linda Eagen, President and CEO of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and Guy Legault, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, today broke ground for the construction of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation’s new Wellspring Ottawa Cancer Survivorship Centre. Together, the Governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $1.7 million in the project.
“The Harper Government is pleased to partner in this innovative centre that will provide additional support to cancer patients and their families,” said M.P. Poilievre. “Thanks to the leadership of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and many volunteers, Wellspring will soon be a reality here in our community.”
“Wellspring Ottawa is an outstanding example of Ottawa’s greatest strength – our community spirit,” said M.P.P. Chiarelli. “The McGuinty government is proud to be a partner in this initiative that will make a real difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.”
“This is a great day for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and its many supporters, volunteers and donors in our community,” said Linda Eagen, President and CEO of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. “Wellspring Ottawa is going to help thousands of local cancer patients – to ensure they have the resources they need on their cancer journey.”
“Wellspring Ottawa is a service that our community absolutely needs,” said Jody Campeau, President and CEO of MAPLESOFT Group. “We at MAPLESOFT Group are thrilled to be part of the development of this amazing facility, and are proud of the impact it will have for local cancer patients and their families.”
Wellspring Ottawa will be built adjacent to the Richard and Annette Block Cancer Survivors Park. When complete, Wellspring Ottawa will resemble a house that will provide additional free-of-charge resources to cancer patients through support programs. Support program topics will include counselling, educational resources, and training for cancer patients, and will be used to complement medical treatments.
The Governments of Canada and Ontario and the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation are each investing one-third of the total project cost. Canada’s funding is part of its national Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Ontario’s matching contribution is provided through the 2009 Ontario Budget – Confronting the Challenge: Building Our Economic Future.
Canada and Ontario are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
James Kusie
Director of Issues Management
Office of Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister
613-991-0700
Melissa Ouellette
Office of Bob Chiarelli M.P.P.
613-721-8075
Shannon Bain
Vice President Communications & Marketing
Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation
613.818.2525
sbain@ottawacancer.ca