Keenan repeated the assertion when asked specifically about Souls Harbour, saying only that when it comes to supporting students and charities, were looking at options on how best to proceed.

Obviously Im frustrated, Porter said in response to Keenans statement. Up to now Ive just been assuming theyll come up with something. Are they really just leaving charities out in the lurch?

While Porter said she intends to press the government to change its mind, the Souls Harbour board has agreed to pay the students if the program is cancelled, at an estimated cost of around $15,000 money that would normally go toward feeding local families.

Opposition critics blasted the Liberal government for mismanaging the rollout of the program and for leaving charities and students in the dark about what will happen to them.

The two things cannot be true: they cannot be saying theyre not proceeding to these groups, and the groups saying they were approved, said Conservative economic development critic Dan Albas.

Its almost been a month now since they stopped the program and they have yet to actually tell Canadians clearly what theyre going to do about the different groups that did apply and if this program will be delivered.

NDP ethics critic Charlie Angus said students took the prime minister at his word that they would be compensated for volunteering through the program.

It is unconscionable that Justin Trudeau is now telling students that signed up for the program that they arent getting paid, he said. The summer is ticking down and not a dime has flown to students who badly needed help.

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No students participated in WE-run program, Liberals say, to surprise of charity that hired nine students - National Post