Mr. Speaker, it is with considerable sadness that I acknowledge the government's termination of the summer work student exchange program. For the last 11 years, this program has provided opportunities for 1,200 students each year to gain valuable work experience in another part of the country.
The program, unique to Canada, allows students from every socio-economic group to participate. For many people in Scarborough—Guildwood, the program represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to live and work in Quebec or New Brunswick. For six weeks students explore other Canadian cultures and hone their second language skills.
What is next on the neo-con chopping block? The summer student work program? Over 40 students from my riding participate in that program.
The government's callous, meanspirited attitude toward students across this country is perverse. What do these neo-cons have against students and education?