As the Commons finance committee prepares for more testimony on the controversial Canada Student Service Grant, WE Charity says one of the more contentious aspects of the program's design — paying students less than minimum wage for their hours of work — was the federal government's idea. Legal experts have warned organizations that they could violate employment codes , like Ontario's Employment Standards Act, by taking on volunteers under the Canada Student Service Grant. 'Red flags'Senior bureaucrats appearing before the Commons finance committee last Thursday explained WE Charity's original agreement to administer the volunteer grant. Because of its national network of volunteer centres and its expertise in volunteer engagement, Volunteer Canada was offered $100,000 to sub-contract as a "strategic partner" under WE Charity, Speevak said. Although the Canada Student Grant has been doubled for this fall, the federal government should also work with provinces and territories toward even more tuition relief, the groups say.

Source: CBC News July 21, 2020 07:52 UTC