Andrew MacDougall: How did WE become the only option for Ottawa's youth program? A look at the official lobbying records offers some clues.
Trudeau appears as a witness via videoconference during a House of Commons finance committee on July 30, 2020
The story of the ill-fated volunteer grant begins as very few things do in Ottawa: on a Sunday work call between the Prime Minister and his then finance minister. The two men were finalizing the details of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy , to be announced the following day by Justin Trudeau, according to testimony at the House finance committee by Trudeau’s chief of staff, Katie Telford.
Chagger’s officials ended up forwarding the WE social entrepreneurship proposal—which plumped for digital programming and $500 grants, plus “incentive grants”, for 8,000 students—to their counterparts in Finance on April 16, the same day their department provided a list of potential delivery partners on “volunteer opportunities”.
The wheels were also turning at Finance, where officials were now actively considering a third party to deliver the volunteer program that was taking shape as part of the broader student package. At an April 18 evening meeting between ESDC and Finance officials it was Kovacevic who noted that WE Charity might be an option.
Wernick testified that she had to reach out to Finance officials following Trudeau’s announcement to get more details, hearing back from Finance that the CSSG program parameters focused on two key elements: a web-based digital platform that would allow students to apply for the CSSG program and be matched with volunteering opportunities in their community and track their hours completed, and a grant of up to $5,000 for volunteer hours completed.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Women's British to go to Muirfield for first time in 2022 - Sportsnet.caThe Women’s British Open will be held in two years at Muirfield for the first time as part of a strong rotation that includes a return to Carnoustie and St. Andrews.
Read more »
Before Raptors' Game 2 win, Masai Ujiri scored a major one of his own - Sportsnet.caThe Raptors won today. But before a single possession took place, Masai Ujiri earned a far greater victory — over an officer filled to the brim with his own authority, who was willing to do as he pleased without fear of consequence. (By: MichaelGrange)
Read more »
Blue Jays defeat Phillies in first of twin bill, thankful for seven innings - Sportsnet.caDoubleheaders are a grind, especially amid an extended stretch of games like the one the Toronto Blue Jays are working through right now. That’s what made the COVID-19-related introduction of seven-inning twin-bills appreciated Thursday.
Read more »
Flyers' Niskanen gets one-game suspension for cross-check on Gallagher - Sportsnet.caPhiladelphia Flyers defenceman Matt Niskanen received a one-game suspension by the NHL’s department of player safety following his cross-check to the face of Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher.
Read more »
Infectious disease expert rates back-to-school activities by COVID-19 riskFrom getting on a school bus to eating in the cafeteria, CTVNews.ca asked an infectious disease specialist to rate kids' school activities based on their COVID-19 transmission risk.
Read more »
Canada’s Prosecutors Take ‘Historic’ Step Towards Decriminalizing DrugsThe move comes as Canada grapples with a devastating opioid crisis amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more »