Statement made on 03 April 2012 by Senator Rose-Marie Losier-Cool (retired)
Hon. Rose-Marie Losier-Cool:
Honourable senators, my question also pertains to the budget.
The budget the government tabled last week eliminates several programs. Unfortunately, one of the programs that will disappear is Katimavik, a program that gives young people an opportunity to volunteer in community settings and to learn to be better citizens while helping Canada's less fortunate. This program has been the source of many success stories, which we have all heard. Katimavik has trained over 30,000 Canadians. It has changed their lives. It has changed the lives of those who were being helped by Katimavik's young volunteers, particularly "vulnerable and marginalized groups in [various] impact areas."
I will not go on a hunger strike, like our late colleague, Senator Jacques Hébert. However, I regret and deplore the abolition of this program.
Would Madam Leader of the Government in the Senate give us specific reasons, with supporting figures, why the government is abolishing the Katimavik program?
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