[URBAN NOTE] On Justin Trudeau's visit to Dovercourt Village, Toronto

[rfmcdonald]

In her article for the Bloor West Villager, "Justin Trudeau marks 100th day in office with surprise visit to Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club", Lisa Rainford describes the circumstances behind Justin Trudeau's visit to my neighbourhood last week.

The prime minister of Canada paid a visit to the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club Friday morning, much to the surprise of its staff and members.

Justin Trudeau’s visit to the Dupont and Dufferin streets-area clubhouse was shrouded in secrecy until just hours before his arrival. The country’s chief executive took a few minutes to chat with members and senior students from nearby St. Mary’s Catholic School before beating them at a game of foosball.

While it was all in good fun, Trudeau chose the local boys and girls club to make a funding announcement on what marked his government’s 100th day in office.

“I’m very happy to announce today yet another example of the kind of real change we’re bringing to Canadians,” Trudeau told his audience that had gathered in the club’s gymnasium, Feb. 12. “I’m pleased to be here this morning at the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club to announce that our government is creating over 34,000 summer jobs for students this year. Through the Canada Summer Jobs Program, we’re investing up to $113 million more to help more youth get invaluable work experience.”

This is in addition to the 34,000 summer jobs created last year. This means that employers will be able to hire nearly 70,000 students, Trudeau added.