Mr. Speaker, this year, 46 organizations in my riding, La Pointe-de-l'Île, submitted proposals for a total of 221 positions as part of the Canada summer jobs program.
Filling all of those positions would have cost over $870,640, but only $307,415 was allocated to my riding. There is clearly a major gap between what our communities need and what the government is giving them.
Minimum wage is on the rise, but program funding is not increasing in step, so the number of young students able to benefit from the program is falling from year to year.
Canada summer jobs is an excellent way for young people to get a foothold in the job market. This initiative helps youth. I am therefore asking the government to ensure that all young people can access this great opportunity.