Human Resources committee  Yes, it certainly would. Actually, I'm not familiar with the first program you mentioned.

Human Resources committee  For a few years now, we have been using the Canada summer jobs program, which enables us to hire young people throughout the summer. I do think we are missing a category related to intergenerational volunteerism. We need to target that, since all of our programs and services, all of our activities, are based on that.

Human Resources committee  It's a challenge. Every year, we ask ourselves that question. We also attend training sessions dedicated to recruiting volunteers. Having said that, youth and seniors are two very different groups, and we won't recruit them in the same way. Over the years, we have established a lot of partnerships with high schools, and that greatly facilitates recruitment.

Human Resources committee  We don't have age-related restrictions. Our organization even welcomes toddlers and families. We consider people 65 years of age or older to be seniors, but we never check. Anyone who considers himself or herself to be a senior can join us. My definition of what constitutes intergenerational volunteerism is bringing together two different age groups that can benefit from each other.

Human Resources committee  It depends on the grants we obtain. For example, for transportation, we were able to buy a van, but the number of seats is limited. Furthermore, I don't think I have as strong a volunteer base as the other witness, but I would say that, because of the housing crisis and the fact that food banks can't meet the demand, people sometimes have trouble feeding themselves and are less likely to volunteer.

Human Resources committee  I want to make sure I understand your question. Could you repeat it?

Human Resources committee  In terms of infrastructure, we need adapted buildings, which are equipped, for example, with ramps for people with reduced mobility. One of our challenges is the availability of time slots for these two groups to meet. Those people do not have the same schedules. Young people are in school during the day, but older people usually show up during the day.

Human Resources committee  It is actually very difficult. For my part, I have been involved with Le Petit Peuple for about ten years, but have been its director for just a year. This year, I submitted at least ten grant applications. It is difficult and each application is unique. Further, they have to be done again and again.

Human Resources committee  There is definitely a huge drop in engagement among young people, families and seniors. I think it's mostly related to the economic situation. As I said earlier, we have young people of all ages, but especially young people between the ages of 13 and 17. For a few years now, these young people have been working as soon as they turn 15.

Human Resources committee  Thank you for your question, Ms. Chabot. We are a very small organization and we do our best to keep going with what we have, but there are complications. Since we have two very different client groups, we do not always meet a number of the criteria for grants, which are either for young people or for seniors.

Human Resources committee  I would say roughly the same thing as Ms. Trauttmansdorff. Recruitment is always a challenge. For the most part, young people join our organization through their teachers. They come to do the volunteer hours required for their program. They stay on as volunteers because of the ties they forge, the activities they enjoy and the leadership offered.

Human Resources committee  I would say we have to identify people's strengths and meet the needs of each group. Ms. Trauttmansdorff just talked about the difficulties seniors can have with technology. That is one of their needs. We have noticed that our young people are very quick with screens and technology.

Human Resources committee  Essentially, it affects every member of the family. Can you be more specific? Are you asking whether economic conditions are also impacting young people?

Human Resources committee  Yes, it certainly has an impact. In the past few years, our organization has offered young people placements abroad. That requires a lot of time from the young people. As we know, young people are starting to work at a younger age. So we do see the impact on volunteer recruitment.

Human Resources committee  Yes, that is definitely true. I like to mention seniors because young people often make social visits to seniors' residences. We have noticed that the young people are shy and uncomfortable during those visits. Our organization really stresses the need to approach others, meet other people, but we can see that it is difficult.