Budget 2019 focuses on youth employment, volunteering, mental health, STEM education, and Indigenous communities
[March 19, 2019] Owen Charters, President & CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, was in Ottawa today as Minister of Finance Bill Morneau unveiled the last federal budget before the 2019 election, Investing in the Middle Class.
The budget has a heavy focus on helping children and youth access education, skills training, and employment, which aligns with the important work Boys and Girls Clubs do for youth across the country.
“Investment in Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan, through programs like CanCode that support the engagement of underrepresented young people in STEM fields, will give children and youth a giant leap forward in terms of building a successful future,” said Owen Charters.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada was excited about the following youth-focused investments announced in Budget 2019:
- CanCode—An investment of $46M over four years to ensure our young people are workforce ready in an increasingly tech-driven world.
- Mental health—Budget 2019 has a strong focus on mental health support for young people, which is exactly what our Club youth have been asking for. Bilingual, 24/7 crisis responders, up-to-date tech, and an emphasis on preventative strategies to stop cyberbullying.
- The next generation of Indigenous leaders—Important investment of $1.2B to help Canada move forward in our Reconciliation efforts, including improved access to health, social, and educational supports for Indigenous communities.
- Canada Service Corps—Exciting investment of $314.8M in Canada Service Corps, which funds our national leadership and volunteer program Lead UP, means an additional 15,000 new service placements for young Canadians.
“We also welcome the special budget document, Investing in Young Canadians, that focuses on the next generation,” said Charters. “We look forward to continuing our work with this government on programs that improve the lives of children and youth across the country.”
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