Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The budget allocated to the Canada Summer Jobs program for the Salaberry-Suroît region has once again been cut by the federal government.

“It was with great disappointment that I noted another three-per-cent cut in funding for the program compared with 2023,” wrote local MP Claude DeBellefeuille, in a communication to area employers who had applied for funding to hire young workers over the summer.

The drop in funding amounts to nearly $24,000 less in wage subsidies compared to last year. This, when added to considerable cuts made in 2023, represents about 40 per cent of the 2022 budget for the riding. In 2022, the region benefitted from $1,262,598 in funding. The 2023 budget was cut back to $830,771, and the 2024 budget is currently $806,791.

In 2023, the program financed at least 219 employment opportunities, while the same program provided funding for over 365 jobs in 2022.

“It is the region’s young people who will suffer, as they will be deprived of many job opportunities,” said DeBellefeuille, while noting many employers who applied to the program for this summer will receive no funding or an amount that will fall short of their needs.

The MP said she disagrees with the decision to restrict funding, and she is currently working to ensure that the Ministry of Women, Gender Equality, and Youth, and Minister Marci Ien, are aware of the impact these cuts will have on the community.

DeBellefeuille noted she would be keeping a close eye on any developments with the program.