A NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAM FOR CANADA

Rising populism and insularity are dividing citizens the world over, threatening the cohesion, capacity, and well-being of our communities. By mobilizing young Canadians through active, purposeful service, the NSP could create tangible, lasting change and foster a generation of civic-minded leaders ready to tackle the country’s most pressing issues. From combating the epidemic of loneliness among seniors, revitalizing public spaces, and addressing homelessness, to providing disaster relief, advancing Indigenous reconnection, and closing the digital divide in rural and remote communities, the NSP offers hands-on, actionable solutions that will generate a ripple effect of positive change across Canada. The following examples illustrate just a few ways this program can build stronger, more inclusive communities and empower youth to shape Canada’s future.

1. Epidemic of Loneliness

Loneliness, particularly among the elderly, has reached epidemic levels across Canada. According to Statistics Canada, nearly one in four seniors experiences loneliness, leading to negative physical and mental health outcomes. The NSP could directly address this issue by encouraging youth to engage in social service placements, such as companionship programs, home visits, and community outreach efforts. These interventions are proven to foster meaningful relationships and provide emotional support, reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens.

By training NSP participants in active listening, empathy, and social support, the program would create intergenerational bonds and empower young people to develop strong interpersonal skills while making a significant impact on the lives of seniors, not to mention carrying those skills for life.

The mental health crisis extends beyond seniors to young adults, with rates of anxiety and depression reaching unprecedented levels. The NSP proposes to directly counter this by providing structured, meaningful engagement that research shows is fundamental to psychological well-being. Participants would gain a sense of purpose, community belonging, and personal efficacy —protective factors that build long-term resilience against mental health challenges while developing empathy and social skills through service to others.

2. Revitalizing Public Spaces & Urban Community Projects

Urban environments are often plagued by neglected public spaces, underutilized parks, and deteriorating community facilities.

These spaces not only impact the aesthetic value of cities but also the social fabric that binds communities together. The NSP could address this by channeling volunteer efforts into hands-on projects such as cleaning up parks, restoring community gardens, repainting murals, and rebuilding recreational areas.

Through these efforts, the NSP would give participants a sense of pride and ownership over their communities. These projects would also foster local partnerships, as businesses and municipalities collaborate to improve the environment for everyone. In doing so, the NSP would not only promote environmental stewardship and urban revitalization, making public spaces more accessible and welcoming for all Canadians, but promote a strong sense of shared ownership.

3. Tackling Homelessness

Homelessness is a visible, urgent issue that continues to affect Canadian cities and obviously some of our most vulnerable citizens. With growing concern over housing affordability and the increasing number of individuals experiencing homelessness, the NSP could play a crucial role in providing immediate assistance and long-term solutions. NSP participants could be trained in basic mental health first aid to recognize signs of distress and guide individuals to appropriate resources. 

Participants could also be involved in hands-on projects such as staffing shelters, conducting outreach programs, assisting in housing initiatives, and providing essential services like meal distribution.

Through these efforts, the NSP would not only provide direct support to homeless individuals but also engage youth in addressing the root causes of homelessness, including affordable housing, mental health support, and access to education. This approach would contribute to creating a more compassionate, inclusive society, in which people are reminded of the importance of empathy, social responsibility, and community engagement.

4. Disaster Relief

In times of crisis, such as flooding, the NSP could be mobilized to offer immediate relief to communities in need. With Canada’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, including flooding, the NSP could provide rapid-response teams for clean up, evacuation assistance, and logistical support. This would be a direct, tactical response that highlights the NSP’s ability to mobilize thousands of young Canadians in times of national emergency.

By organizing volunteer crews and providing essential supplies, the NSP would help communities recover from disasters while instilling a sense of urgency and teamwork among participants. In addition to providing immediate relief, this approach would foster long-term disaster preparedness, teaching youth valuable skills in crisis management, coordination, and resilience.

5. Advancing Indigenous Reconciliation

Canada’s path to reconciliation speaks of the need for concrete, collaborative action with Indigenous communities. The NSP could empower all Canadian youth to support Indigenous-led projects – such as language revitalization, cultural preservation, and community infrastructure – while learning from local leadership. By fostering partnerships and mutual understanding, the NSP would help address historic inequities and build stronger nation-to-nation relationships, directly responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

6. Closing the Digital Divide in Rural and Remote Communities

Many rural and remote Canadians still lack reliable internet access, limiting education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. NSP participants could deliver digital literacy workshops, help set up community Wi-Fi, and support local broadband initiatives. By bridging the digital divide, the NSP would empower underserved communities, boost economic mobility, and ensure all Canadians can participate fully in the digital age.

The following estimations are designed to be conservative but realistic, allowing for (a) proper compensation and support for youth, (b) modest housing (not luxury, not institutional), (c) high-quality training and mentorship, and (d) avoiding overreliance on unpaid labor or poor conditions.

Per-Participant Annual Cost (Estimated, by Category):

Stipend/Per Diem

• CAD$10,000
• Based on $800/month average over 12.5 months of active service, enough to offset costs and reduce barriers without being a full salary

Travel and Relocation

• CAD$3,000
• Two major moves (regional + national) and some inter-provincial travel

Housing

• CAD$7,000
• Billeting/shared housing for 18–20 months at ~$400/month

Training & Curriculum

• CAD$4,000
• 3 major training blocks, development of content, facilitators, locations

Administration & Mentorship

• CAD$2,500
• Includes field staff, case managers, and partner coordination

Insurance & Equipment

• CAD$1,500
• Laptops/tablets, liability and travel insurance, contingency reserve

>>> Total (per participant)

• CAD~$28,000/year
• In line with scaled program benchmarks from OECD countries

>>> Total Program Cost

• CAD~$560 million
• @ 20,000 participants/year

Funding Strategies:

• Core funding through federal education and employment development budgets
• Co-funding partnerships with provinces and territories (especially for local priorities)
• Philanthropic sponsorships and private sector contributions (for specific placements or alumni scholarships)
• In-kind support from host organizations (e.g., housing, meals, equipment)
• Long-term ROI analysis to demonstrate social return on investment (e.g., reduced youth unemployment, improved civic cohesion, better health outcomes)

>>> Pilot Scaling Logic:

A pilot program for 1,000 to 2,000 participants would scale down the total annual cost to $28–56 million, which is politically and operationally viable for proof-of-concept.