Mr. Speaker, organizations across my riding of Thunder Bay—Rainy River are outraged at the funding cuts made to the youth employment strategy. Dozens have written to express their concerns.
The Township of O'Connor writes:
—it is deplorable that the Conservative Government would make such a significant cut to this most valuable program.
The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre says:
The BizKids has taught over 300 students about entrepreneurship...in our community....If we are unable to receive a summer student, I am concerned that we will not be able to offer the BizKids program this year.
The Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame writes:
—I am “living proof” of the success of this program...it was a summer job, funded through this program, that led me to my current position...and...having just celebrated my 20th year as a museum director.
These testimonials and so many others express the value of the youth employment strategy.
I once again call upon the Prime Minister to reinstate the $55.4 million that he recently cut from this most valuable program.