Skip to Main content

11.56°^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

carney-signals-visa-talks-for-canadians-during-europe-trip

CanadaSep 15, 2026

Carney Signals Visa Talks for Canadians During Europe Trip

Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that visa requirements for Canadians could be raised during his visit to Europe as Canada seeks to deepen its strategic and economic relationship with the European Union. Carney left Canada Tuesday for a three-day trip to Strasbourg, France, and Liverpool, UK. In Strasbourg, he is attending European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s annual State of the Union address and will address the European Parliament on Thursday. During the trip, Carney is also expected to meet UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Liverpool for discussions on defence, s

Surrey’s $310M Newton Community Centre Construction Officially Begins

Construction has officially begun on the new Newton Community Centre in Surrey, marking one of the largest investment projects in the city’s history. According to the City of Surrey, construction crews are currently removing the old structures and preparing and levelling the site. Mayor Brenda Locke said the 175,000-square-foot modern community hub will bring a major transformation to Newton by bringing recreation, cultural and library services together under one roof. The $310-million project near King George Boulevard will feature a 50-metre swimming pool, a leisure pool, two gymnasiums, a

AlbertaSep 15, 2026

Jason Kenney Links UCP Calgary-Shaw Defeat to Alberta Separation Debate

Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has linked the UCP’s defeat in the Calgary-Shaw byelection to the upcoming separation referendum, saying the debate over Alberta leaving Canada is turning away Conservative voters who also feel strongly about the country. Kenney said the separation issue is pushing some nationalist supporters toward opposition parties such as the NDP. He believes the October 19 referendum is having a negative impact on Conservative support. In the Calgary-Shaw byelection, Alberta NDP candidate Kyle Campbell defeated UCP candidate Mike Derry by 582 votes. Campbell received

rising-oil-prices-raise-odds-of-bank-of-canada-rate-hike

CanadaSep 15, 2026

Rising Oil Prices Raise Odds of Bank of Canada Rate Hike

Canada’s central bank could raise interest rates in the coming months as rising global crude oil prices increase inflationary pressures. Economists believe the Bank of Canada’s chances of raising rates by December are growing, despite Canada’s annual inflation rate remaining steady at 3% last month. Economists at Desjardins Group and RSM Canada say it may be difficult for Bank of Canada officials to ignore oil prices above US$100 a barrel, particularly if the increase persists. While core inflation remains under control for now, economists warn that continued oil price shocks could push

carney-announces-major-tax-break-to-boost-business-investment

CanadaSep 15, 2026

Carney Announces Major Tax Break to Boost Business Investment

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a major tax break for companies making new investments in Canada. Under the new measure, businesses will be able to immediately claim 100 per cent of the cost of eligible new investments, including machinery, equipment and technology, as a tax deduction. Announced Tuesday, the measure is being called the “Productivity Mega Deduction” and is aimed at encouraging businesses to invest more in their operations. The government says making investments cheaper will give companies greater incentive to spend on expanding and improving their businesses, helpi

Related News

Carney Signals Visa Talks for Canadians During Europe Trip

Carney Signals Visa Talks for Canadians During Europe Trip

Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that visa requirements for Canadians could be raised during his visit to Europe as Canada seeks to deepen its strategic and economic relationship with the European Union. Carney left Canada Tuesday for a three-day trip to Strasbourg, France, and Liverpool, UK. In Strasbourg, he is attending European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s annual State of the Union address and will address the European Parliament on Thursday. During the trip, Carney is also expected to meet UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Liverpool for discussions on defence, s

Rising Oil Prices Raise Odds of Bank of Canada Rate Hike

Rising Oil Prices Raise Odds of Bank of Canada Rate Hike

Canada’s central bank could raise interest rates in the coming months as rising global crude oil prices increase inflationary pressures. Economists believe the Bank of Canada’s chances of raising rates by December are growing, despite Canada’s annual inflation rate remaining steady at 3% last month. Economists at Desjardins Group and RSM Canada say it may be difficult for Bank of Canada officials to ignore oil prices above US$100 a barrel, particularly if the increase persists. While core inflation remains under control for now, economists warn that continued oil price shocks could push

Carney Announces Major Tax Break to Boost Business Investment

Carney Announces Major Tax Break to Boost Business Investment

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a major tax break for companies making new investments in Canada. Under the new measure, businesses will be able to immediately claim 100 per cent of the cost of eligible new investments, including machinery, equipment and technology, as a tax deduction. Announced Tuesday, the measure is being called the “Productivity Mega Deduction” and is aimed at encouraging businesses to invest more in their operations. The government says making investments cheaper will give companies greater incentive to spend on expanding and improving their businesses, helpi

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital