Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses the nation on June 25, 2020. (Photo: CPAC screen grab)
The WE Charity group is no longer associated with the federal Liberal government after severing ties.
The move is being called “a mutually agreed-upon decision” by the government.
It comes after concerns over ties the prime minister has to the organization, with Justin Trudeau confirming his government will take over from WE Charity to distribute federal student grants this summer.
“There are certain things that we will not be able to do as government delivers this program directly. Reaching out to actively search and pull in volunteers was something the WE organization could do because of its extensive network and practice,” Trudeau explained.
WE Charity was preparing to grant about $900 million as part of the program with the prime minister adding “We’re going to continue work with partners across the country and within government make sure that these young people (grant recipients) …can contribute to the well being of their community and their country.”
The federal ethics commissioner has launched an investigation.
The group’s co-founders Craig and Marc Kielburger feel the criticism is unnecessary.
But they worry, allowing it to continue would only hurt the program which has already attracted 35,000 applicants and 83 not-for-profits who are offering placements as part of the program.
