MCFD spent nearly $300K to promote program that many Youth in need can’t access

By Amy Romer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A provincial program meant to provide income, housing and health support to Youth aging out of government “care” spent nearly $300,000 on promotional merchandise — meanwhile, many young people are being rejected from its services. The Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD) ordered 15,000 “toolkits” as part of their 2022/2023 budget — including tote bags, socks, toques, lip-balm and information pamphlets. These packages are meant to raise awareness about its Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) program. According to the MCFD, the purchase was a response to feedback from a series of engagements carried out in 2022. An emailed statement from MCFD said the materials would be distributed to ministry offices and community organizations, including Covenant House, to be shared with…

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