The EFCL has learned that approximately 20 community leagues have seen their application for Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) funding rejected.
Leagues use these funds to help pay for one or more summer playground leaders, as part of the city’s “green shack” program.
Almost all of the leagues are located in the federal ridings of Edmonton East and Edmonton Centre.
Carmen Noel, CSJ program officer, said an increase in the number of applications was the main reason for the high number of rejections this year.
She said it varied by constituency because each constituency has its own priorities for funding. The local Member of Parliament is responsible for setting the priorities, she added.
The EFCL has expressed its concerns in a letter to Edmonton Centre MP Laurie Hawn and Edmonton East MP Peter Goldring. Discussons with each office are ongoing.
Leagues that have their applications rejected are left with the prospect of shortening or eliminating the summer “Green Shack” program, if they are unable to make up the shortfall themselves.
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