New research projects will contribute to stronger, safer, healthier Canadian communities
January 21, 2016, Toronto, Ontario—Colleges and polytechnics across Canada are receiving nearly $6 million in federal support through the Community and College Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) to address a range of social issues, including poverty, community safety and local economic development.
Minister of Science Kirsty Duncan today announced funding for 27 research projects, alongside James Maloney, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke—Lakeshore.
Today’s event featured the project of Humber College’s Jeanine Webber. Her two-year impact study is receiving nearly $200,000 to examine the Toronto Police Service’s Neighbourhood Officer Program—which assigned neighbourhood officers to 17 selected neighbourhoods to increase police presence and address community problems. Dr. Webber and her team will partner with the Toronto Police Service as part of the study, which promotes public confidence through the scientific evaluation of a police program, while also engaging a greater number of community residents in the evaluation process.
Quick Facts
- The CCSIF will provide $15 million over three years in support of projects at colleges and polytechnics that foster social innovation in Canada.
- Under the new initiative, colleges and polytechnics can partner with community organizations and businesses to apply for funding of up to $200,000 to undertake collaborative projects that address community issues.
- The CCSIF aims to increase college capacity to engage in collaborative projects with local organizations and businesses, strengthening communities across Canada through research.
- Social innovation is about finding more effective ways of engaging Canadians, delivering community services and strengthening communities as a whole through research. It can take the form of a product, process or program that creates positive social outcomes for communities.
Quotes
“Social innovation is about finding new ways to deliver community services and strengthen communities as a whole through research. Congratulations to Dr. Webber and her team at Humber College For their ongoing work with the Toronto community. Together they are bringing college and polytechnic researchers together with citizens to build stronger, safer and healthier communities.”
—The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science
"Humber College is a vital hub in the Etobicoke—Lakeshore community and I am thrilled to be part of the Government of Canada, which values science and the social and economic benefit it brings to Canadians. Research undertaken by Humber College’s Jeanine Webber will help to develop new ways to improve community policing in Toronto, especially with non-English speaking citizens."
—James Maloney, Member of Parliament (Etobicoke—Lakeshore)
"We are very pleased to support this pilot program and through it, the development of multi-sectoral research at our colleges and polytechnics. These investments will advance meaningful, creative solutions to pressing social challenges that will bring real change to communities across Canada."
—Ted Hewitt, President, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
"The Neighbourhood Policing research project is an example of how Humber students work collaboratively with partners such as the Toronto Police Service to gain both real-world experience and to seek ways in which to improve and give back to the community. This new funding will enable the initial pilot evaluation study to become a two year Impact Study designed to measure the effect of the Neighbourhood Policing program within Toronto neighbourhoods. This program focuses on enhancing the public’s confidence and trust in the police and improving public safety. We’re grateful to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Government of Canada for their support."
—Chris Whitaker, President, Humber College
Related products
- A full list of award recipients is available here.
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Contacts
Camille Martel
Communications
Office of the Minister of Science
Tel.: 343-291-2700
Email: camille.martel@canada.ca
Christopher Walters
Director of Communications
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Tel.: 613-992-4283
Email: christopher.walters@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca