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May 17, 2007
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Opposition Post_Secondary Education Critic and MHA for the
District of Grand Falls-Buchans, Anna Thistle, wants the
provincial government to fill the gap created by changes to the
student employment programs in this province if the problem is
not soon rectified by the federal government. "The province should immediately make the case to the federal government to impress upon them the seriousness of this issue for this province," says Thistle. "If they are unable to resolve this issue with the federal government then they should step forward themselves with funds so students can be employed and the important work of volunteer groups will not be hampered." Recently it came to the attention of the public that the federal government has changed the criteria for its Summer Jobs program. This unexpected alteration has left volunteer organizations and students in this province in a difficult position. "In the district I represent alone several community groups have been left in problematic situations. I have heard reports from other areas of the province which indicate that groups in these areas face similar dilemmas." The Liberal MHA noted that many groups from her own district depend on students to make their activities successful. For example, the Exploits Valley Visitor Information Centre, the Salmonid Interpretation Centre, and the Sanger Memorial Park all employ students. The Grand Falls - Windsor Minor Soccer Association depends on students to help them offer programs to over 300 children in the area. "While the Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment for this province has a role to play in making strong representation to the federal government on this issue, there is also a need for immediate action to fill the gap which has been left by this change in policy. Many organizations, businesses and volunteer groups in this province are still trying to come to terms with this loss right now. To ensure that the services they provide are not disrupted, the provincial government needs to move quickly." Thistle is calling on the Provincial Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment to raise concerns with his counterpart at the federal level and also with Minister Hearn. "There are a lot of questions which need to be asked about this situation. For example, when did the provincial minister become aware of these changes and what representation did he or government make at that time to prevent this crisis situation for many volunteer groups in this province?"
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