Katimavik, a Trudeau-era program, annually selects 1,100 young Canadians between the ages of 17 and 21 and sends them to diverse regions of Canada to volunteer with community-based organizations.
While many programs offer similar objectives, what differentiates Katimavik is that participants commit themselves to six-month terms, giving them a much deeper understanding of the region that they work within.
Liberal MP Justin Trudeau, son of the former prime minister who began the program in 1977, has been closely involved with Katimavik, including sitting on its board of directors between 2002 and 2006.
"The decision to cut it is purely ideological," said Trudeau. "Because anything that empowers young people frightens these Conservatives, and second (Katimavik) has been associated with the Liberal party for all of its existence."
According to Trudeau, the money invested in the program is simply a way for the federal government to invest into communities.
"It is not just a youth program," said Trudeau. "Having these volunteers, who are committed people, to give projects to is a huge boost for small communities and community service organizations that help out our vulnerable populations."
"Aspiring to be a strong youth organization is one thing," said Heritage Minister James Moore.
"But after 35 years of receiving taxpayers' money, if you don't do any fundraising on your own and you still have a one-third dropout rate, it is pretty hard for me to justify to taxpayers continuing to give them money."
Katimavik CEO Daniel Lapointe was given no warning about the cuts and has been left scrambling.
"I was bracing myself for a five or 10 per cent cut, but eliminating the program, I had never foreseen that," said Lapointe.
While Katimavik has been given the green light to continue until July, all funding will end once the current crop of participants return home.
Original Article
Source: edmonton journal
Author: Dan Neutel
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