Skip to Main content

13.26°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Jul 16, 2020 3:42 PM -

Commons finance committee to begin probing WE Charity's volunteering contract

Share On

commons-finance-committee-to-begin-probing-we-charitys-volunteering-contract

Liberal Bardish Chagger responds to a question during Question Period in the House of Commons, Tuesday, February 26, 2019 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

The first of multiple parliamentary investigations of the federal government's aborted deal with WE Charity to run a volunteering program begins this afternoon.

The House of Commons finance committee is set to hear from Youth Minister Bardish Chagger and some senior public servants as it probes how WE got a sole-sourced contract to administer the $900-million program.

The Canada Student Service Grant is aimed at students who haven't been able to find work this summer, offering up to $5,000 toward education costs in exchange for 500 hours of volunteering.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has admitted he should have recused himself from the decision to award the contract, given his family's links to the group co-founded by brothers Craig and Marc Kielburger.

WE gave up the contract amid the controversy two weeks ago.

The government has since taken control of the program, but has been struggling with the details while the summer ticks by.

Latest news

b-c-conservatives-face-another-blow-as-skeena-mla-claire-rattée-leaves-party

B.C. Conservatives Face Another Blow as Skeena MLA Claire Rattée Leaves Party

B.C. Conservatives have suffered another setback as Skeena MLA Claire Rattée has left the party and joined the group of independent MLAs. Rattée is the 10th MLA to leave the B.C. Conservative caucus since August. Her move comes just two days after she publicly questioned the leadership of party leader Keri-Lynn Findlay and accused her of failing to keep the party united. Rattée also confirmed reports that at least 10 Conservative MLAs unhappy with Findlay’s leadership had signed a letter calling for her resignation. She said she was among those who signed the letter. Rattée accused Findl

Car-Motorcycle Collision in Kelowna, Rider Killed

Kelowna RCMP has confirmed the death of a motorcycle rider following a crash on Highway 97 Thursday night. Police said the collision occurred at around 10 p.m. at the intersection of Harvey Avenue and Ethel Street, involving a black sedan and a motorcycle. The motorcycle caught fire shortly after the crash. Corporal Steven Lang said the motorcycle rider was pronounced dead when emergency crews and police arrived at the scene. The driver of the sedan remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with investigators. Highway 97 was closed in both directions between Richter Street and Gordon Driv

WorldSep 18, 2026

Steps Toward Mexico-U.S. Trade Deal After Trump-Sheinbaum Talks

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says Mexico and the United States have made progress toward a potential trade agreement following a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. Speaking at her daily press conference on Friday, Sheinbaum said the conversation was “very good” and that the two leaders reached some agreements, although she did not disclose specific details. She said negotiations are moving in a positive direction and that Mexico is working to reach a deal while protecting its sovereignty and national interests. The two countries are continuing bilateral trade

Advance Voting Begins in Abbotsford-Mission Byelection

Advance voting has begun today for the Abbotsford-Mission provincial byelection. According to Elections BC, eligible voters can cast their ballots at any designated voting location from September 18 to September 23, daily between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The final voting day for the byelection is September 26. The candidates include BC Conservative Party Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, BC NDP candidate Pam Alexis, Centre BC candidate Lakhwinder Kaur Jhajj, and Green Party candidate Stephen Fowler. The Abbotsford-Mission riding was previously won by Reann Gasper, who vacated the seat to allow Findlay to r

abbotsford-man-sentenced-to-11-5-years-for-drug-trafficking-and-gun-offences

Abbotsford Man Sentenced to 11.5 Years for Drug Trafficking and Gun Offences

A 36-year-old man charged in connection with drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession in Abbotsford has been sentenced to 11 and a half years in prison. The investigation began in April 2025 after Abbotsford Police arrested Tyler Mison, who was allegedly driving despite being prohibited from doing so. Police said illegal drugs and a handgun were found during the arrest. Investigators later searched several locations linked to Mison, including a residence in the 31100 block of Deertrail Drive. Police seized more than 12 kilograms of drugs, including cocaine and crystal methamphetamine,

Related News

Conservative Larry Brock Resigns from House of Commons

Conservative Larry Brock Resigns from House of Commons

Conservative MP Larry Brock has formally resigned from the House of Commons, ending his five-year tenure as the MP for Brantford-Brant South. Brock announced his decision to step down last month, saying he planned to return to the office of the Crown prosecutor. A byelection will be held in the Ontario riding, along with five other currently vacant federal seats, in the coming months. Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is planning to hold a rally in Brantford this weekend. Brock is the sixth MP to leave Poilievre’s caucus over the past year. Four MPs have crossed the floor to jo

Carney to Address Liberal Caucus Ahead of Fall Parliamentary Session

Carney to Address Liberal Caucus Ahead of Fall Parliamentary Session

Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to address his Liberal caucus in Ottawa today, ahead of the fall session of the House of Commons, which begins Monday. The caucus meeting comes as the Liberal government prepares to introduce key legislation, including a bill to extend the fuel excise tax relief announced by Carney on September 2. The tax break, which was initially in effect from April through September 2026, is planned to be extended until January 2027. Under the measure, Canadians are saving 10 cents per litre on gasoline and 4 cents per litre on diesel. Carney returned to Canada on Thursday

Canada Announces $880M Fund to Help Youth Gain Skilled Trades Experience

Canada Announces $880M Fund to Help Youth Gain Skilled Trades Experience

The Liberal government has announced an $880-million fund aimed at helping young Canadians gain valuable experience in skilled trades. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said that starting early next year, young Canadians will be able to access up to four months of paid job placements to gain hands-on skills and workplace experience before beginning formal training. The funding is part of an $8-billion budget set aside by the government to help train the next generation of skilled workers across Canada, including carpenters, electricians and welders. The government also announced that workers w

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital