Adam Joiner, Chief Executive Officer, BGC Ottawa
Debra Shime, Vice-President, Community Initiatives, United Way Centraide Canada
Melanie Thomas, Vice President, Community Foundations of Canada
Amy Avis, Chief Emergencies, Response, Recovery and Risk Resilience, Canadian Red Cross Canadian Red Cross
Young Canadians are the future of our country, they’re key changemakers in their communities. Our government will always support and listen to youth.
In recent years, the government has invested in youth to make paying for school, rent, and groceries more affordable. Interest in Canada Student and Apprentice Loans has been eliminated, providing students with much-needed relief so they can buy the things they need. The amount of grants that full-time students received has been doubled, giving students more leeway with their finances, so they can focus on studying. Through the Canada Summer Jobs program, the Student Work Placement program, and the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, the government is making sure that youth have opportunities to get the skills they need to find a job in their field.
Like Canadians of all ages, youth are concerned about being able to afford a home. The dream of homeownership feels out of reach for too many. This is why the government launched the tax-free First Home Savings Account to help young Canadians save for a down payment on their first home. Since its launch, the program has been getting “phenomenal” uptake, according to RBC.