August 14, 2020
The Honourable Bardish Chagger, P.C, M.P.
Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Youth
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Dear Minister:
COVID-19 has impacted many facets of our lives and our young people have been particularly hit hard. Their school year ended early and many of them have not seen their friends for months. Summer camps across Canada have been struggling as a result of the pandemic. I write today to express my support for the government to provide financial assistance to Canada’s summer camps.
We all know the positive impacts the summer camp experience has on children across the country and it is important that we ensure that these opportunities continue to be available in the future. These experiences teach critical life skills to children and give them a lifetime of memories. These organizations also employ 70,000 Canadians and add a $1 billion to the Canadian economy. Many of these organizations have nearly lost all of their revenue this year and some will not survive without targeted financial support from government.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to working together to ensure Canada’s young people can enjoy the camp experience for generations to come.
Yours sincerely,
Ryan Turnbull
Member of Parliament for Whitby
cc:
The Hon. Bill Morneau, P.C.,M.P., Minister of Finance
The Hon. Steven Guilbeault, P.C., M.P., Minister of Canadian Heritage
Mr. Matt Brundage
Ms. Catherine Kennedy
Mark Diamond, Vice-President, Ontario Camps Association