Summer activities at risk as London organizations wait for delayed federal grant money

Canada Summer Jobs grant program delays make staffing challening for local organizations

Cbc.ca
June 13, 2023
Michael Lacasse

Organizations in London, Ont. that rely on federal money to hire summer employees to run camps and outdoor activities are still waiting to learn if Ottawa has approved the grants.

The Canada Summer Jobs wage subsidy program normally releases funds in April said John Clack, the president of the non-profit Forest Edge Community pool in west London. The money has allowed them to hire lifeguards for the last decade.

Clack said they don't know when or if they'll receive the grant, but the regulations stipulate they can't hire staff on a temporary basis while they wait.

"As soon as they've been hired and paid, it makes us ineligible for the grant," said Clack.

CBC News reached out to Employment and Social Development Canada, which runs the program. When it responds to request for comment, this story will be updated.

Clack said the grant makes a big difference in what sort of service they'll be able to provide the community this summer. He said he was hoping to open the pool next week, but now he isn't sure when that will happen.

"We have people who have already paid for private swimming lessons. We're hoping that we've heard something and can move forward by then. I think there's a possibility we could delay another week," said Clack.

Delays aren't a unique problem this year
The Village Green Community Church, off of Wonderland Road South, is also waiting to learn whether it will receive the Canada Summer Jobs grant.

"For several years we've had university students that we've been able to hire under that grant program," said Dale Mackness, an elder at the church.

He confirmed that Village Green Community Church also usually receives their funding around April.

"I've made a few calls and we were told we might hear by the 15th," said Mackness, who added the Western University students they're looking to hire were supposed to start last month.

"They're being patient and hoping to get this program in the next week or two. I'm sure they'll try to get other summer jobs if the grant doesn't come through soon, but we really appreciate them waiting," said Mackness.

'Lack of answers is frustrating'
Clack said he is worried they'll need to dip into community reserves to pay staffing costs if they don't get any updates soon.

"If we were to open this year and operate without the grant, it puts us in serious jeopardy for future years," said Clack.

If they don't get the funding in time, Clack said they'll need to shorten their hours and change their schedule to better reflect their tighter budget.

"But we're going to do everything we can to try and offer something to the community, even if we don't get the funding," said Clack.

"All we'd like is to hear some answers from when we can expect to hear about the job grant," said Clack.