What are the challenges that the Black community is facing today that the government can do something about?
Here are some few that came up when the Liberal Black Caucus Chair accompanied by Edmonton only Liberal MP, made a stop at the Africa Centre Headquarters in Edmonton.
The Africa Centre headquarters in Edmonton hosted the Black Caucus meet and greet with Black youths on Aug. 25.
The special guests were; the Chair of Liberal Black Caucus and London West MP, Arielle Kayabaga, and Minister Randy Boissonnault, Edmonton Centre MP and Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages.
There were brief presentations from both guests after a welcome from Samuel Juru, Africa Centre Executive Director, followed by questions and answers from the youth present.
One of the key questions was the renewal of the Ecosystem Fund, a $100 million investment, advocated by the Liberal Black Caucus, funded by the federal government, through 38 Black led organizations running out soon, with a goal to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs and business owners across Canada.
The MPs promised to advocate for the renewal of the Ecosystem Fund, as well as, waiting for feedback on the impact the fund has had on the Black community. Diversity Magazine will be sharing more on the impact across the country from our coverage.
“…Black Businesses are not asking for handouts, but for equal opportunity…,” the London West MP noted.
There was also the question of creating opportunities for young people in vulnerable communities and also the big ticket item of removing interest rates on student loans.
The MPs also shared their government’s approach to building more houses to address rising rents even though housing is a provincial affair…
MP Boissonnault mentioned some accomplishments of the Liberal government: falling interest rates, grocery rebate checks given to families, growth in jobs, a call for intake for his MP Youth Council in Edmonton City Centre, the lifting of a million people out of poverty by their government, a $10/day childcare coming soon, 85% participation of women in the workforce today, First Home Buyers Program, support for new political leaders from people of colour…
