Positioning Bulletin
The OAYEC Positioning Bulletin shares OAYEC's positions, values or discussion items related to the youth employment sector, and is available the first Monday of every month.
TOPIC for December 4th, 2006:
OAYEC’s Response to the Federal Cuts
Introduction
OAYEC is concerned about the Federal Governments proposed $55 Million cut to the Summer Career Placement Program (SCP). The non-profit sector depends a great deal on programs such as the SCP to reaffirm to students that this sector demonstrates viable career options as well as to generate needed activities for the communities non-profits serve. The SCP program is beneficial in that it provides opportunities for students to gain experience in the non-profit sector to provide the foundation for their future career goals. As well, summer staffing subsidies are difficult to find elsewhere.
In the SCP program, high school, college and university students get assistance to secure job opportunities where they can develop themselves to ensure future success. Any cuts to this program would likely affect non-profits, which would signal a move away from empowering students to become active civic participants – detracting from opportunities in the sector which is dominated by employment in the health, arts, community service, social justice and poverty reduction occupations.
We have written a letter to Honorable Diane Finley (Minister of Service Canada) to request a meeting with her to discuss the impacts of the cuts and alternative solutions. We also have spoken with Olivia Chow (NDP critic) and received a letter from Bill Graham (Liberal critic) about concerns in this area.
For other opinions on the cuts by the Community Social Planning Council of Toronto, please see: http://www.socialplanningtoronto.org and click on the "$1 Billion Federal Cuts - Updates" link in the left-hand column.
To view Service Canada’s list of all proposed cuts to be made, go to: http://www.fin.gc.ca/news06/06-047e.html.
What is OAYEC’s analysis on the impacts of the cuts?
OAYEC expressed the following to Minister Finley:
- That some of the money could be more efficiently and effectively spent.
- That the program has had particularly positive effects on the non-profit sector, and that those impacts should continue, even while recognizing the economic boom that characterizes some parts of Canada.
- That we work with Minister Finley to design a more focused program, through which the reduced money would be reintroduced in next years budget.
Who is involved in the plan?
Board members who are contributing to this response are Roy Spiegelberg and Marilyn Duncalfe, who are on the OAYEC Board of Directors involved in the policy committee. Member and other stakeholder opinions are always welcome.
What are the next steps?
At the meeting with Minister Finley, we have requested the following items to be discussed.
OAYEC would like to work with the Minister to propose a more focused program in which:
- The program is provided through third party deliverers in the non-profit sector, saving money and creating effective results.
- Student programs are revitalized, setting new selection criteria and providing meaningful opportunities and access for youth employment in non-profit settings.
- The money cut ($55 million) is reintroduced through this new program at the next budget.
How can you be involved to make this plan a success?
Member and other stakeholder opinions are welcome at any time. Letters to support OAYEC’s positions can be sent to Minister Finley’s office. Olivia Chow and Bill Graham have expressed opinions on these cuts as well, so it would be beneficial to send them letters, too.
For more information, please contact:
Soni Dasmohapatra, Researcher
sdasmohapatra@oayec.org
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The OAYEC Positioning Bulletin is a monthly newsletter provided by the Ontario Association of Youth Employment Centres. OAYEC's mission is to support and advocate for a sustainable youth employment delivery network.
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Contact: Soni Dasmohapatra, Researcher, sdasmohapatra@oayec.org
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