Letter of Support

Show your support for the Environmental Youth Alliance Skills Link program by sending an email to MP or Minister.

Cut and paste the letter below, and send it by email.To find your MP use this MP Finder, enter your postal code and get your MP’s name and email address.

http://www.parl.gc.ca/parlinfo/compilations/houseofcommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx?Menu=HOC

You can also send it to the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development:

The honourable Diane Finley:

 Finley.D@parl.gc.ca

Tips for effective letter writing

·   Feel free to personalize your letter by editing the form letter below. Describe how has the program has impacted you.

·   Address the recipient by their first and last names. If you’re sending it to more than one person, send two separate emails and address them separately.

·   Keep it polite. Be real about your experience, and no need to be rude.

·   Write your name at the bottom.

Cut and Paste the letter below

I am writing to express my support for Service Canada’s Skills Link program, and opposition to all cuts to services for urban BC youth. I am particularly troubled that the Environmental Youth Alliance’s Skills Link program has been put on hold in the past. This work experience program for youth facing barriers to employment has served as a catalyst for countless youth in the Lower Mainland to change the direction of their lives.

The Skills Link program targets those with barriers to employment, often facing multiple issues such as drug use, unplanned pregnancy, and mental health issues, to name a few. This program is vital in addressing these barriers in a proactive way, and supports these youth in contributing to their communities.

The Environmental Youth Alliance received over 80 applicants for the last Skills Link program demonstrating a need for this program. Knowing these youth are more than just figures leaves me deeply concerned for the future without federal support. Past participants in their program have consistently shared how the program has positively impacted their lives and helped them change course toward a healthier, brighter future.

Throughout the program youth are given the tools to find and keep meaningful employment, go back to school, and start small businesses.  I believe the government should invest in this type of positive youth employment and development and have these positive experiences. The associated costs would more than pay off through income taxes when the youth are working. I much prefer this option to seeing young people fall through the cracks with gaps left by programs like Skills Link not being there, and end up in the social assistance, mental health, or penal systems.

Please do what is needed to fund youth skill development for urban youth in BC, including funding for the Skills Link program in Vancouver.

Sincerely,