QUEEN’S PARK — The NDP Critic for Youth Engagement, Faisal Hassan, released this statement following the Ford government’s cut to school programs that helped connect youth — especially at-risk youth — with jobs and specialized programming:
“The Conservative government’s $25-million cut to specialized school programs means disadvantaged students are stripped of opportunity, and that students lose access to part-time jobs programs that put them onto a good path, instead of a troubling one.
The youth unemployment rate in Toronto and Ontario is higher than the national average. Despite this, the Ford government’s cut includes the Focus on Youth program, which provides employment and leadership opportunities to at-risk youth.
The Ford government is telling at-risk youth they’re not worth the investment, and aren’t a priority. The Conservatives are, in effect, giving up on these young people before they have even had a chance.
Ontario’s youth deserve better.”