OTTAWA - On February 5, leaders of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations met with Prime Minister Paul Martin for an hour long brainstorming session that was in response to the throne speech.

"We're pleased that they called us," said James Kusie, CASA's national director.

On the other hand, the Canadian Federation of Students was upset with the announcement. They said that students can look forward to more debt, and that the government did not address the under-funding of post-secondary education.

CFS National Chairperson Ian Boyko said that it has not been a top priority of the CFS to meet with the prime minister, and that critics shouldn't see this as a slap in their face.

- Adam Grachnik, CUP Ottawa Bureau

Edmonton youth crime program first in the world

EDMONTON - Edmonton's Youth Restorative Action Project is a program that allows the sentences of young offenders to be decided by a panel of youths. The first project of its kind in the world, YRAP was formed in March of 2001.

The program deals with youth whose crimes are a result of their economic and social backgrounds.

The 40 youth currently involved in YRAP range from University of Alberta students to ex-offenders, and are aged 15-24. Although the sentences devised by the panels have to be ratified by a judge, they are rarely changed.

Out of the 32 referrals YRAP has had since May, only two have re-offended.

- Kristine Owram, CUP Alberta Bureau

Tony Clement promises tax breaks for young Canadians

TORONTO - Conservative party leadership hopeful Tony Clement wants to give young people a tax break.

Under this plan, called JumpStart, Canadians who turn 18 would not pay federal taxes on the first $250,000 they earn.

"You need tax help at the start of your career, to help deal with the burdens of starting a new business, opening up a medical practice, paying off a student loan, or buying a house," Clement told the Montreal Gazette last week.

Belinda Stronach, one of Clement's opponents for the Conservative Party leadership, also supports tax incentives for young people.

- Preeti Gill, Ryersonian (CUP)