Mr. Speaker, the YMCA is an integral part of community life in Canada, serving people of all ages.
For nine years, in partnership with the Government of Canada, the YMCA has administered the federal public sector youth internship program.
Since 1997, over 9,000 young people have benefited from this program, including almost 300 in Nova Scotia, people like Chantel, a single mom who acquired new skills that helped her build a better life.
It was a shock to learn that future funding for the federal public sector youth internship program is now uncertain.
I strongly urge the minority Conservative government to commit to long term funding for this program today so the YMCA can help thousands more young people become prouder, more productive Canadians.