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Yvonne Jones, MHA for the District of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, says she
is extremely disappointed with the recent cuts to the Community Access
Program (CAP) announced earlier this week by the federal government.
Earlier this week, the Federal Conservative government unveiled $1 billion
in spending cuts to take place over two years and announced that another $1
billion will be extracted through unspecified management measures over the
same period. Included in these cuts was the CAP that provided technology
training in communities.
"The CAP funded 13 sites throughout the District of Cartwright-L’Anse au
Clair, and approximately 165 sites across the province," said Ms. Jones.
"Unfortunately, due to the announced cutbacks to this program, there will be
no funding available to keep these sites operational past December. Many
people used this program to improve their basic computer skills, learn how
to browse the internet and design websites. In addition, people who did
not have a computer at home could access this service to complete school
assignments, volunteer work, and e-mail access. In fact, two of the sites in
my district were based out of a library, while 11 others were based in
schools or community centres.
"I was also disappointed to learn that the Youth Initiative Program was
also cancelled. Many of the people that worked at these CAP sites received
funding through the Youth Initiative Program. Over the past year, 75 young
people were employed under this program at CAP sites throughout the
province. As a result of these cutbacks, they will no longer have access to
these employment opportunities and will lose valuable employment experience.
"I cannot understand why a federal government with a $13 billion surplus
would cut such important programs. It is obvious that educational programs
are not a priority of the Harper Government."
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