Dec 4, 2024 Story by: Editor
At a recent news conference held in Ottawa, a coalition of organizations from the Greater Toronto Area called on the federal government to significantly increase investments in programs that support young Black Canadians. The coalition emphasized the urgent need for resources to address systemic barriers and promote opportunities for education, employment, and community development.
The event brought together representatives from various influential groups, including the CEE Center for Young Black Professionals, which focuses on career and education advancement; Skills for Change, known for its leadership in skills training; Eva’s Place, a youth-focused shelter organization; Tropicana Community Services, which provides culturally sensitive programs; and the Ethiopian Association Toronto, an advocate for immigrant and refugee communities.
Speaking at the conference, a spokesperson from Tropicana Community Services highlighted the importance of targeted investments, saying, “Empowering Black youth is essential for building stronger, more equitable communities.” Similarly, representatives from the CEE Center underscored the need for long-term funding commitments to address unemployment and educational disparities among young Black Canadians.
The coalition also pointed to studies showing that tailored initiatives for marginalized youth can have a transformative impact on their socio-economic prospects. They called for federal policies that not only provide funding but also ensure equitable access to resources, emphasizing that investment in Black youth is an investment in Canada’s future. Source: CPAC