National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The NDP’s party whip wants Ottawa to take the $900-million budget for WE Charity’s now infamous and defunct volunteer initiative and distribute it to another federal youth program.

It’s not too late to use the funds to employ youth and support businesses and community groups across the country that are struggling economically during the pandemic, said Rachel Blaney, MP for North Island-Powell River.

“We are reminding (the Liberals) that they have avenues to do it if they really care about young people and communities across this country,” Blaney told Canada’s National Observer.

“And we hope they will look at them.”

Blaney wants the federal government to funnel the shelved WE funds into the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program, a wage subsidy plan for employers who hire youth and one that is already operational, Blaney said.