Federal cuts put student jobs at risk
Federal funding cuts have left students and employers hunting for help, since cuts to the Summer Jobs Program.
The method of distribution of subsidies for student summer jobs was changed in September 2006, putting a strain on both students who were looking for a means to make money and London employers who were left struggling to have coverage during the summer months.
Many companies within the London area, such as the local libraries and museums who would often hire a number of students were frustrated that they were unable to take advantage of students who are currently done school.
“It's very disappointing. They are taking away valuable career experience for young people that the museum has been providing for almost 30 years,” Tammy Adkin, the Executive Director at the London Regional Children's Museum, told the London Free Press.
Created 10 years ago, the Summer Jobs Program subsidized wages for summer students and was deemed very successful by both employers and students alike. The decision to cease funding for these businesses blindsided many employers, as well as government representatives.
Last fall it was estimated that there would be cuts to federal social funding over the course of the upcoming year resulting in a loss of an estimated 22,000 summer placements, which caused concern for those attempting to assist students who need those jobs to assist in paying for their post-secondary education.
“Students need these summer employment programs in order to afford high tuition fees and education expenses, and the also need the on-the-job experience in their field of study,” said Amanda Aziz, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students, last year.
According to the London Free Press, many businesses would be affected by this decision including Fanshawe Pioneer Village, South London Community Centre, the Grand Theatre and Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, which are all low on the list for government funding considerations.
NDP MP Irene Mathyssen for London-Fanshawe recognizes the effect this would have on the community.
“It's absolutely incredible that the programs that have been so successful for so many year would be cut in such an arbitrary way,” said Mathyssen.
Businesses were being rated in terms of priority, where students from remote areas with low youth employment rates and high crime were being provided with the means to give more underprivileged youth an opportunity to gain experience.
The budget for the 2007 Summer Jobs Program was calculated to be nearly $4 million less than the initial program 10 years earlier. According to Mathyssen, the large funding gap would result in fewer jobs and greater debt for college and university students down the road. Those within London who are facing financial strain would now feel the pressure of summer employment.
“This is not helping to create a strong and equitable economy,” said Mathyssen.
Reaction was strong among businesses and communities all across Canada forcing the government to take anther look at their funding priorities. With the influence of Ottawa, who made a decision to restore summer student funding, other surrounding communities began to demand their financial assistance they rely so heavily on.
It was soon recognized that organizations within London that didn't seem to require funding on paper, did in fact need assistance in order to keep businesses running. This encouraged the federal government to return a portion of financial assistance to some companies who had previously received approval for subsidy.
“We certainly don't want to send the message that we are not supporting programs where students are receiving the work experience they need to stay in the workforce,” said federal Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Monte Solberg.
Sheila Johnson, executive director at Fanshawe Pioneer Village is thankful that the government has finally considered their business's financial circumstances in previous years.
The method of distribution of subsidies for student summer jobs was changed in September 2006, putting a strain on both students who were looking for a means to make money and London employers who were left struggling to have coverage during the summer months.
Many companies within the London area, such as the local libraries and museums who would often hire a number of students were frustrated that they were unable to take advantage of students who are currently done school.
“It's very disappointing. They are taking away valuable career experience for young people that the museum has been providing for almost 30 years,” Tammy Adkin, the Executive Director at the London Regional Children's Museum, told the London Free Press.
Created 10 years ago, the Summer Jobs Program subsidized wages for summer students and was deemed very successful by both employers and students alike. The decision to cease funding for these businesses blindsided many employers, as well as government representatives.
Last fall it was estimated that there would be cuts to federal social funding over the course of the upcoming year resulting in a loss of an estimated 22,000 summer placements, which caused concern for those attempting to assist students who need those jobs to assist in paying for their post-secondary education.
“Students need these summer employment programs in order to afford high tuition fees and education expenses, and the also need the on-the-job experience in their field of study,” said Amanda Aziz, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students, last year.
According to the London Free Press, many businesses would be affected by this decision including Fanshawe Pioneer Village, South London Community Centre, the Grand Theatre and Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, which are all low on the list for government funding considerations.
NDP MP Irene Mathyssen for London-Fanshawe recognizes the effect this would have on the community.
“It's absolutely incredible that the programs that have been so successful for so many year would be cut in such an arbitrary way,” said Mathyssen.
Businesses were being rated in terms of priority, where students from remote areas with low youth employment rates and high crime were being provided with the means to give more underprivileged youth an opportunity to gain experience.
The budget for the 2007 Summer Jobs Program was calculated to be nearly $4 million less than the initial program 10 years earlier. According to Mathyssen, the large funding gap would result in fewer jobs and greater debt for college and university students down the road. Those within London who are facing financial strain would now feel the pressure of summer employment.
“This is not helping to create a strong and equitable economy,” said Mathyssen.
Reaction was strong among businesses and communities all across Canada forcing the government to take anther look at their funding priorities. With the influence of Ottawa, who made a decision to restore summer student funding, other surrounding communities began to demand their financial assistance they rely so heavily on.
It was soon recognized that organizations within London that didn't seem to require funding on paper, did in fact need assistance in order to keep businesses running. This encouraged the federal government to return a portion of financial assistance to some companies who had previously received approval for subsidy.
“We certainly don't want to send the message that we are not supporting programs where students are receiving the work experience they need to stay in the workforce,” said federal Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Monte Solberg.
Sheila Johnson, executive director at Fanshawe Pioneer Village is thankful that the government has finally considered their business's financial circumstances in previous years.
