Expedition to Community will engage about 300 youth through Canada Service Corps
April 8th, 2019 Ottawa, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
Canada's future prosperity depends on young Canadians getting the experience and skills they need to succeed. That's why Will Amos, Member of Parliament for Pontiac, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, today announced Expedition to Community (E2C), a new program that aims to engage Canadian youth in community service in five Inuit communities located in four northern regions: Nunatsiavut, Nunavut, Nunavik and Inuvialuit.
Through this program, a core group of 50 youth will in turn involve as many as 250 more in unique service opportunities that address issues and needs faced by communities across Canada's North. Core participants will be provided with inspiration, incentives, key skills, supportive learning environments, and a range of learning opportunities that are suited to their own aspirations and interests.
E2C is delivered by the Students on Ice foundation, which educates youth about the importance of the Polar Regions. Students on Ice receives funding through Canada Service Corps. This January marked one year since the Prime Minister and Minister of Youth, Justin Trudeau, launched the design phase of Canada Service Corps to promote civic engagement among young Canadians. Canada Service Corps provides youth with access to service opportunities that are meaningful, while assisting them in gaining life skills. These service opportunities will provide young people with the chance to make a difference in their communities.
"Canada Service Corps is about giving youth the opportunity to build a program that is for them, by them. Through youth-led service programs like Expedition to Community, our government is helping Canada's young people develop individual strengths and gain essential life experiences"
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
"Canada Service Corps serves community needs through innovative programs like Expedition to Community. Programs like these give youth in rural and remote areas the chance to enrich their communities and build a better Canada for everyone. I look forward to seeing the expanding impact that youth leadership is having across our country."
- Will Amos, Member of Parliament for Pontiac, Quebec
Quick facts
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Canada Service Corps helps young people gain valuable skills while making an impact on communities across Canada. The program is designed to achieve the following core objectives: build a culture of service among young Canadians; concrete results for communities; personal growth through participation in a diverse team of peers; and lasting impacts on participants.
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Budget 2019 proposes to invest up to an additional $314.8 million over five years, starting in 2019-20, with $83.8 million per year ongoing, to make the Canada Service Corps Canada's signature national youth service program. The Government of Canada proposes to expand this initiative with additional service placements, grants, and incentives co-created with young people, so that everyone who wants to make an impact has the opportunity to do so.
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Canada Service Corps offers an online matching service through Volunteer Canada that helps young people find volunteer opportunities tailored to their interests.
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Young Canadians between 15 and 30 years of age who are ready to turn their community service ideas into reality are also encouraged to visit Canada.ca/CanadaServiceCorps to apply for micro-grant funding in the fixed amounts of $250, $750 or $1,500. With support from the Government of Canada, TakingITGlobal is delivering and administering these community service grants.
