Hello, everyone.
My name is Erika Campbell. I'm a constituent of Hamilton Centre, and I'm here on behalf of the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award program.
The program is seeking $20 million from the federal budget to ensure it's able to provide adequate funds to post-secondary students to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses while supporting them to continue their humanitarian work.
I received the award in 2016 during my undergraduate degree based on my advocacy surrounding mental health awareness and sexual violence prevention. The award enabled me to continue my humanitarian projects during my degree, while becoming the first person in my family to obtain a post-secondary education. In a few months, I will become the first person in my family to receive a Ph.D.
I grew up with complex health issues, which burdened my family and made paying for university, among other expenses, a concern. This award alleviated that concern through my ability to give back to my community and directly contributed to my academic success, which I'm carrying out today.
I urge you to support the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award program.
Thank you so much.