Who handles youth & young people?
Youth & Young People
Youth services involve all levels. Federal provides child benefits and youth employment programs, provinces handle education and child welfare, and municipalities run local recreation and youth centres.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Canada Child Benefit
- ● Canada Summer Jobs program
- ● Youth Criminal Justice Act
- ● Youth employment strategy
💡 Example: Apply for Canada Summer Jobs, or contact your MP about federal youth programs.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial education system
- ● Child and youth protection services
- ● Youth justice services
- ● Provincial youth employment programs
💡 Example: Contact your provincial child and youth services, or your MPP/MLA about youth programs.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Youth centres and programs
- ● Recreation and sports programs
- ● Summer camps and after-school programs
- ● Youth advisory councils
💡 Example: Contact your local recreation department, or your councillor about youth programs.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
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