Community Access Program (CAP) to be funded again for 2007-08 after lobbying
Yesterday in the House of Commons, in response to a question from Denise Savoie (Victoria, NDP) about CAP ...
Mr. Colin Carrie (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, CPC) :
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that this government has ensured that the community access program will be funded for 2007-08. Once the details are finalized we will provide information to the CAP recipients about CAP operations for 2007-08.
Ms. Denise Savoie (Victoria, NDP) :
Mr. Speaker, I am glad that the government is going to finalize it some time this year. The groups will be interested.
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Denise Savoie (Victoria, NDP) press release ...
BERNIER MUST REINSTATE COMMUNITY INTERNET ACCESS: NDP - Vital literacy and job skills program expired four weeks ago
OTTAWA - The Conservative government is again using delay and secrecy to weaken an important program that assists vulnerable Canadians and communities, said NDP Literacy Advocate Denise Savoie (Victoria). Savoie reiterated her insistence that Industry Minister Maxime Bernier publicly confirm the status and budget for the now-expired Community Access Program (CAP).
The program, which expired on March 31st, supports the provision of Internet access to low-income, unemployed and homeless Canadians at over 4,000 community sites across Canada.
"For the most vulnerable Canadians who do not own a computer or
have access to the Internet at home or in their workplace, CAP is the only way to access online resources that can lead to training, employment, and a better life," said Savoie.
Savoie expressed concern that the delay could cover up a funding cut for the second consecutive year.
"Last year they snuck a $6 million cut into the Supplementary
Estimates, and this year they*re three weeks late announcing their plans," said Savoie. "The 2007-08 Main Estimates refer to "significant reductions" in the program, but the Minister refuses to come clean with his budget."
Savoie expressed concern that CAP could receive the same treatment as the Summer Career Placement Program, which was delayed for months this year before re-appearing with lower funding as the re-branded Canada Summer Jobs.
They've had months to complete their review of CAP and re-brand the program to make it look like they created it from scratch, said Savoie. How long does it take to come up with a new name and re-paint the pamphlets Conservative blue?
Ed Gillis
Legislative and Communications Assistant
Denise Savoie, MP (Victoria)
Tel: (613) 947-4424
Fax: (613) 952-1458
www.denisesavoie.ca