Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, is disappointed to see the Liberal Government vote against a motion last night in the House of Commons that would have recognized the ability of organizations that engage in non-political and non-activist work to apply for Canada Summer Jobs funding regardless of whether or not they choose to sign the application attestation.

Mr. Miller has also received the initial funding allotment for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound and is currently reviewing the recommended funding. An initial examination of the recommended funding shows that a total of 15 organizations have been excluded during this round of funding as a result of being unable to sign the attestation. This represents a loss of 17 individual summer student positions, 173 weeks' worth of student employment and approximately $60,000 for these organizations.

"I am very disappointed to see that despite giving clear and fair explanations as to why they could not sign attestation organizations are being unfairly excluded from this important funding," said Miller.

A motion was put forward yesterday in the House of Commons by the Conservative Party that stated:

"That in the opinion of the House, organizations that engage in non-political non-activist work, such as feeding the homeless, helping refugees, and giving kids an opportunity to go to camp, should be able to access Canada Summer Jobs funding regardless of their private convictions and regardless of whether or not they choose to sign the application attestation."

The motion was defeated by 93 to 207 vote. The Conservatives voted in favour, the Liberal Party and New Democratic Party voted against the motion with the exception of MP David Christopherson (NDP) and MP Scott Simms (Liberal). Green Party Leader Elizabeth May also voted in favour of the motion.

"I was very disappointed last night to see 207 Members of Parliament stand up and vote against the creation of youth employment. These members know full well that
organizations have been left out as a result of this senseless attestation requirement and it is unfortunate that they did not stand up for their constituents. I would like to thank MPs David Christopherson, Scott Simms, and Elizabeth May for not playing politics and voting in favour of this motion."

For more information on the Canada Summer Jobs Program please visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html.

source: media release, MP Larry Miller

Editors note: The referenced attestation is part of this application document: https://catalogue.servicecanada.gc.ca/apps/EForms/pdf/en/ESDC-EMP5396A.pdf