Latest news with #LenaMetlegeDiab
Vancouver Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
Jobs subsidy for immigration minister's longstanding church raises 'perception' questions: ethics specialist
OTTAWA — When Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab dropped by a church kids camp this summer, she came to pose for photos to highlight the funding that came from the Canada Summer Jobs program. It might not have seemed unusual: members of Parliament have a hand in helping organizations in their riding get the summer-job subsidies in the first place. MPs get lists of organizations in their ridings that apply for the subsidy, and recommend who should get it. But Metlege Diab had a more personal relationship with this particular Lebanese parish church in Halifax than just representing it as an MP. She has been a parishioner there since the 1980s. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The situation does not seem to violate either the Conflict of Interest Act or codes that public office holders must follow, but one government ethics specialist said it touches on issues around perceptions of conflict, as well as what questions the department responsible for administering the money asks of MPs who may have ties to the organizations whose requests they review. 'Do I think that the minister, in this case, has broken the act or code? No,' said Ian Stedman, who previously worked for Ontario's integrity commissioner and now teaches as an associate professor at York University. 'Do I think that the program may want to protect itself by having a higher bar or a higher standard than the act or code? Yes.' The Canada Summer Jobs program offers a wage subsidy for employers to hire those aged 15 to 30 each summer. This year, the government announced it would spend $25 million more to create another 6,000 spots to combat the country's high youth unemployment rate. How it works is simple: An organization, including religious ones, applies for the subsidy. The department that administers it assesses the application to ensure it meets the criteria and then asks MPs for their feedback based on a recommended list, which, according to the program's website, is to ensure 'local priorities' are met. Their feedback, it says, is then used to inform the government's final decisions. In Metlege Diab's case, a spokeswoman in her Halifax West constituency office said she provided her feedback back in March, two months before Prime Minister Mark Carney promoted her to cabinet. She has represented the riding federally since 2021. 'The final funding decisions by (Employment and Social Development Canada) were made during the writ period,' the spokeswoman wrote, referring to the period during the spring federal election. Her office also confirmed she had been a parishioner of the church in question since its was established in the 1980s 'It was wonderful to visit Our Lady of Lebanon Parish and see how the Canada Summer Jobs program is helping our youth gain valuable work experience while supporting meaningful summer opportunities. Thank you for welcoming me — enjoy the rest of your summer!' Metlege Diab wrote in a recent Facebook post . The government confirmed the church received around $50,000 to fund 10 jobs. Last year, the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's office released an advisory opinion directing MPs on when they should refrain from giving their opinion on whether a particular organization should receive funding. It added that an entity is not precluded from applying for government money just because an elected official or appointee has a personal connection to it, like a membership. The office advised that MPs should not provide opinions on applications from groups that employ or are owned by a family member, or where they have a 'private interest.' Stedman says under the rules, 'private interest' is defined in terms of it being a financial interest, which is narrow. He says that narrowness is evident when it comes to the Canada Summer Jobs program, which he said is unique in that the government asks MPs to directly weigh in on a funding decision. 'This is really them saying outright, 'We want you to help influence how our money is spent.'' While federal ethics rules concentrate on the issue of a public officer using their influence to benefit financially, the program itself is about the community. 'It's an organization she cares about. It's a church that she cares about, and the better they do, the longer they survive to be there for her and her community. And she benefits from that in a kind of interpersonal way,' Stedman said. 'It's just not the kind of benefit that's contemplated by the act, which can be unpalatable … for I think our modern take on what conflicts of interest could be.' He said he believes the program, in asking MPs for their recommendations on funding, should also ask whether they have any personal connections to the organizations on the provided lists. 'The public expects that their members of Parliament are going to do everything they can to avoid the perception of a conflict, because we want our government officials to care about public trust in their behaviour, and public trust is about perception as much as it is about reality.' In a statement, Employment and Social Development Canada did not directly say whether it asks MPs about having any personal ties to the organizations whose applications they review, but members are reminded of the rules under the Conflict of Interest Act and Code of Conduct. 'To ensure their recommendations are considered, they must attest to their compliance with the code by completing the required electronic confirmation. The code provides guidance to MPs regarding the disclosure of conflicts of interest and ensures transparency and accountability in their decision-making, including in the Canada Summer Jobs MP recommendation process,' wrote spokeswoman Liana Brault. 'The department provides final recommendations of projects to be funded after examining all applications against program criteria and national priorities and reviewing feedback from members of Parliament.' National Post staylor@ Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
National Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- National Post
Jobs subsidy for immigration minister's longstanding church raises 'perception' questions: ethics specialist
OTTAWA — When Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab dropped by a church kids camp this summer, she came to pose for photos to highlight the funding that came from the Canada Summer Jobs program. Article content It might not have seemed unusual: members of Parliament have a hand in helping organizations in their riding get the summer-job subsidies in the first place. MPs get lists of organizations in their ridings that apply for the subsidy, and recommend who should get it. Article content Article content Article content But Metlege Diab had a more personal relationship with this particular Lebanese parish church in Halifax than just representing it as an MP. She has been a parishioner there since the 1980s. Article content Article content The situation does not seem to violate either the Conflict of Interest Act or codes that public office holders must follow, but one government ethics specialist said it touches on issues around perceptions of conflict, as well as what questions the department responsible for administering the money asks of MPs who may have ties to the organizations whose requests they review. Article content 'Do I think that the minister, in this case, has broken the act or code? No,' said Ian Stedman, who previously worked for Ontario's integrity commissioner and now teaches as an associate professor at York University. Article content 'Do I think that the program may want to protect itself by having a higher bar or a higher standard than the act or code? Yes.' Article content The Canada Summer Jobs program offers a wage subsidy for employers to hire those aged 15 to 30 each summer. This year, the government announced it would spend $25 million more to create another 6,000 spots to combat the country's high youth unemployment rate. Article content Article content How it works is simple: An organization, including religious ones, applies for the subsidy. The department that administers it assesses the application to ensure it meets the criteria and then asks MPs for their feedback based on a recommended list, which, according to the program's website, is to ensure 'local priorities' are met. Article content Article content Their feedback, it says, is then used to inform the government's final decisions. Article content In Metlege Diab's case, a spokeswoman in her Halifax West constituency office said she provided her feedback back in March, two months before Prime Minister Mark Carney promoted her to cabinet. She has represented the riding federally since 2021. Article content 'The final funding decisions by (Employment and Social Development Canada) were made during the writ period,' the spokeswoman wrote, referring to the period during the spring federal election. Article content 'It was wonderful to visit Our Lady of Lebanon Parish and see how the Canada Summer Jobs program is helping our youth gain valuable work experience while supporting meaningful summer opportunities. Thank you for welcoming me — enjoy the rest of your summer!' Metlege Diab wrote in a recent Facebook post. Article content The government confirmed the church received around $50,000 to fund 10 jobs. Article content Last year, the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's office released an advisory opinion directing MPs on when they should refrain from giving their opinion on whether a particular organization should receive funding. Article content It added that an entity is not precluded from applying for government money just because an elected official or appointee has a personal connection to it, like a membership. Article content The office advised that MPs should not provide opinions on applications from groups that employ or are owned by a family member, or where they have a 'private interest.' Article content Stedman says under the rules, 'private interest' is defined in terms of it being a financial interest, which is narrow. Article content Article content He says that narrowness is evident when it comes to the Canada Summer Jobs program, which he said is unique in that the government asks MPs to directly weigh in on a funding decision. 'This is really them saying outright, 'We want you to help influence how our money is spent.'' Article content While federal ethics rules concentrate on the issue of a public officer using their influence to benefit financially, the program itself is about the community. Article content 'It's an organization she cares about. It's a church that she cares about, and the better they do, the longer they survive to be there for her and her community. And she benefits from that in a kind of interpersonal way,' Stedman said. Article content 'It's just not the kind of benefit that's contemplated by the act, which can be unpalatable … for I think our modern take on what conflicts of interest could be.' Article content He said he believes the program, in asking MPs for their recommendations on funding, should also ask whether they have any personal connections to the organizations on the provided lists. Article content 'The public expects that their members of Parliament are going to do everything they can to avoid the perception of a conflict, because we want our government officials to care about public trust in their behaviour, and public trust is about perception as much as it is about reality.' Article content In a statement, Employment and Social Development Canada did not directly say whether it asks MPs about having any personal ties to the organizations whose applications they review, but members are reminded of the rules under the Conflict of Interest Act and Code of Conduct. Article content 'To ensure their recommendations are considered, they must attest to their compliance with the code by completing the required electronic confirmation. The code provides guidance to MPs regarding the disclosure of conflicts of interest and ensures transparency and accountability in their decision-making, including in the Canada Summer Jobs MP recommendation process,' wrote spokeswoman Liana Brault.
Cision Canada
23-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canada invests in services to support economic integration and fill labour market shortages Français
OTTAWA, ON, /CNW/ - Canada's new government has a mandate to build a strong economy by attracting the best talent in the world and filling key labour shortages. Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced more than $3.2 billion over three years across more than 520 organizations outside Quebec to improve the integration of newcomers, including into the job market, and to reduce labour shortages. Settlement services are essential to filling vacancies in high-demand sectors such as health care and skilled trades. With increased economic integration, newcomers can apply their skills quickly, fill critical labour gaps and boost productivity. Funding will be provided to local organizations to deliver tailored services that recognize regional considerations and needs, instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Services will include support with getting a licence or certification in a regulated profession providing job-specific and general language training in English and French supporting French-speaking newcomers to integrate into Francophone communities outside Quebec These services will help newcomers build successful lives in Canada by supporting their economic, social and cultural integration into communities across the country. With an outcome-focused approach, Canada will attract a strong workforce and build one unified Canadian economy—the strongest economy in the G7. Quote: "Canada is focused on building more homes, better infrastructure and a clean economy—and newcomers are essential to making that happen. This investment is about giving newcomers the skills and opportunities they need to build their lives here and help build Canada at the same time. When newcomers thrive, our communities grow stronger, and we all move forward together." – The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Quick facts: As of April 1, 2025, more than 520 organizations received funding to deliver settlement and resettlement programs and services across Canada. Organizations were chosen following a competitive national call for proposals. All applications were carefully reviewed to confirm they met eligibility requirements, were aligned with program priorities, provided good value for money and offered services that met newcomer needs. Under the Canada–Quebec Accord, the Government of Canada provides the province of Quebec with an annual grant for the delivery and administration of reception services and of services to support the linguistic, cultural and economic integration of immigrants who settle in that province, including resettled refugees. From April 2014 to January 2025, 47% of all permanent residents outside Quebec and 93% of resettled refugees accessed at least one IRCC-funded settlement service in Canada. Associated links: SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Cision Canada
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
MEDIA ADVISORY - Minister Diab to participate in a citizenship ceremony in Calgary Français
CALGARY, AB, July 9, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will welcome 20 of Canada's newest citizens from four countries. The ceremony will be presided by Citizenship Judge James Clover. Notes for media: Media must register in advance by sharing their name, title, email address and outlet with [email protected] by Wednesday, July 9, at 5 p.m., Eastern time. Please include "RSVP for July 10 citizenship ceremony" in the email subject line. Media attending the event in person are asked to arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. (Mountain time). Photography and video are permitted during the ceremony. SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Canada Standard
04-07-2025
- Business
- Canada Standard
Artificial Intelligence sparks growth for innovative companies
Canada News Centre 04 Jul 2025, 19:47 GMT+10 Government of Canada investments support jobs, productivity and product development July 4, 2025 * Halifax, Nova Scotia * Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) To ensure Canada remains a global leader in innovation, the Government of Canada is making strategic investments in businesses, organizations, entrepreneurs and leaders that are accelerating AI adoption and spurring economic growth. Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Halifax West, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and the Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced $2,506,250 to support artificial intelligence-related (AI) projects at three Halifax businesses. They include: Liveable Cities, a division of LED Roadway Lighting Ltd., is receiving $2 million (repayable) over two years to develop an AI-powered streetlight controller and camera. The system will reduce energy use by up to 30 percent and provide real-time data to improve public safety. The project will create skilled jobs, support international growth, and position the company as a leader in smart city technology. Oberland Agriscience Inc., is receiving $250,000 (repayable) to install AI-driven software and equipment that will boost production, improve efficiency, and reduce waste. The technology will enhance product quality, support new product development, and optimize formulations -reducing environmental impact and easing pressure on supply chains. Kindred AI Inc. is receiving $206,250 (repayable) and $50,000 (non-repayable) to advance its real-time emotional intelligence software. The funding will support product development, engineering, and commercialization, creating high-quality jobs. The company's tools help users track and grow emotional intelligence and can be embedded into other products. Kindred will expand key features, target new markets-including education and healthcare-and launch a marketing strategy to reach more clients and industries. The Government of Canada is making strategic investments to support AI adoption to foster real solutions, improve lives, reshape industries and reimagine what is possible.
