Manitoba News: Cuts to youth summer work program leave some groups stranded

WINNIPEG –

Some non-profit and sports groups in Manitoba say they have been hit hard by cuts to the province's youth summer jobs program.

The NDP government has cut funding for its Green Team program by $4 million this year, to $5.6 million.

Municipal and Northern Affairs Minister Ian Bushey says the previous government increased spending during the COVID-19 pandemic, and even with the cuts, spending will still be higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Baseball Manitoba says many of the regional communities it represents have approved funding over the years, but this time it was rejected.

According to Jason Miller, the group's executive director, children and teenagers are typically hired to tend the ball diamonds and fields.

The Prairie Highlands Regional Museum in western Manitoba says it was also turned down when it applied for funding for two student positions this year.

This Canadian Press report was first published on May 21, 2024