Provincial funding strengthened supports for victims and enhanced community readiness for FIFA-related activities
NEWS July 20, 2026
OSHAWA, ON – Victim Services of Durham Region is pleased to acknowledge the Ontario government’s investment of $135,262 to strengthen supports for victims of crime and ensure the organization was prepared to respond to increased service demands associated with FIFA-related activities.
The funding included:
· $82,500 in additional base funding through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services; and
· $52,762 through the Ministry of Sport to support preparations for and responses to increased demands for victim services during and following FIFA-related activities.
“Victim Services of Durham Region plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families during some of the most difficult moments in their lives,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “This investment helped ensure the organization had the resources it needed to continue delivering compassionate, timely and effective support services, while also preparing for increased demand related to FIFA events.”
Victim Services of Durham Region provides immediate crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, referrals, and practical assistance to victims of crime and tragic circumstances throughout Durham Region.
This investment was part of Ontario’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community-based victim services and ensuring organizations had the capacity to respond to emerging needs and support those affected by crime and violence.
“By providing stable base funding and targeted support for FIFA-related service pressures, our government helped community organizations remain responsive and resilient,” added MPP Coe. “We are committed to ensuring victims and survivors have access to the support they need, when they need it most.”
Quick Facts
· Victim Services of Durham Region received a total funding increase of $135,262.
· The funding included $82,500 in additional base funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
· An additional $52,762 from the Ministry of Sport supported preparations for and responses to increased demands for victim services during and following FIFA-related activities.
· The Ontario government is investing $121 million from 2023 to 2028 to help fight gun and gang violence, support community safety initiatives, and assist victims and survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking.
· Through the Ministry of the Attorney General, Ontario’s 2026–27 Estimates include $218.3 million for the Victims and Vulnerable Persons Program, which supports victim services, victim-witness assistance, and other programs for vulnerable Ontarians.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Eric Hutchins
Office Manager
Lorne Coe
MPP Whitby
Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org
905-430-1141