Claude DeBellefeuille, Member of Parliament for Salaberry-Suroît, announces that 96 groups will share 184 jobs financed by a federal investment of $806,818 in the riding of Salaberry-Suroît in 2024.

"I'm delighted with these investments, which give young people aged 15 to 30 a rewarding work experience during the summer, while helping to meet employers' significant labour needs. Over the course of the summer, I'll be going out to meet young people and talk to them about their work experience,” emphasizes Ms. DeBellefeuille.      

One of the companies that will benefit from this investment in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region is Les Serres Saint-Laz, located on Route de la Cité-des-Jeunes. 

Given the program's limited resources, priority was given to organic agricultural producers, non-profit organizations and municipal day camps.

"The program is generating a great deal of interest in the region, as evidenced by the steady increase in requests over the years. For the summer of 2024, the total amount of requests we have received is $2.3 million. However, the $806,818 envelope granted by the federal government is far from sufficient to meet the needs expressed,” laments the Bloc MNA.Nearly 35% of the 2022 budget has been cut.In 2022, the allocated budget was $1,262,598, while the 2023 budget was $830,771.    

 "It's essential that the federal government adapt its program and recognize the rising cost of living and the need to offer decent, competitive wages to attract the next generation of workers. Our employers are being left behind, and our young people are being deprived of valuable opportunities to enter the job market,” she laments.MNA DeBellefeuille also expresses her deep concern at this worrying situation, pointing out that the lack of funding for the EEC program is jeopardizing the sustainability of services offered by community organizations and tourism and seasonal businesses.

"It is imperative that the government increase the amounts allocated throughout Quebec, particularly in Salaberry-Suroît. Such a huge discrepancy between available funds and regional needs should simply not exist,” concludes Claude DeBellefeuille.