Trudeau called out by students over WE scandal: ‘This is unacceptable’

WE Charity—which was awarded the contract to distribute the millions—backed out of the deal amid an ethical controversy involving Prime Minister Trudeau.

The initial objective of the program was to provide students with as much as $5,000 to put towards their education expenses depending on how many volunteer hours they banked.

The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations and the Canadian Federation of Students say that the program clearly will not provide students with the financial help they want.

The CFS adds that Liberals should place the money intended for the program into an emergency out-of-work students fund. CASA believes the money should be used to help returning students.

“Students have been expecting financial aid from the government, and are relying on it to continue their educational pursuits,” said Bryn de Chastelain, the group’s chair, in a statement.

“The government needs to be timely in providing clarity to students and ensure no student is left behind.”

The CFS also says students might not be able to collect the hours they need in order to receive grants as August is quickly approaching and the program has no specific launching time.

“Students have waited for this program to roll out since April and now they’re told they have to wait even longer,” said Sofia Descalzi, the national chair in a statement. “This is unacceptable.”

This comes as Finance Minister Bill Morneau is set to appear before the House committee to discuss the cancelled WE Charity agreement.

The federal ethics watchdog is investigating Trudeau for possibly breaking conflict of interest rules.

The program was handed back to the government by WE in early July due to the controversy with Prime Minister Trudeau and Finance Minister Morneau.