Quebec youth help line shutting down after province denies funding

Tel-jeunes will shut its teen chat line and school workshops after the Quebec government denied its application for one-time funding.

Tel-jeunes, a Quebec youth help line and support service, will close its teen chat line and school workshops after the province’s education ministry denied its application for funding.

The organization described the decision on social media as “difficult.”

A ministry spokesperson acknowledged the work done by the non-profit, which was launched in 1991, and said it was not the end of funding for Tel-jeunes.

“The Ministry of Education continues to support the organization in certain projects, including training in schools, which represents a $350,000 investment,” Esther Chouinard said.

“Tel-jeunes also receives funding from the Quebec government, including $2,279,011 from the Ministry of Health and Social Services for 2024-2025. The organization also received extraordinary funding during the pandemic, when the circumstances required it.”

Chouinard said that the ministry had not terminated any funding agreements and explained that the Support for Partners program, through which Tel-jeunes received funding, is one-time and non-recurring and requires the submission of an application every year.

The spokesperson said the approval of such applications depends on several factors, including the number of applications the government receives.

“In 2024-2025, given the volume of requests, the ministry had to review applications and prioritize organizations in more precarious financial situations, as well as those not receiving funding from other ministries, to prevent them from being at risk of closure,” she said.

“Tel-jeunes’ request was analyzed, and significant surpluses were noted in the organization’s financial statements at the time of submission.”

The cuts come as mental health issues among youth have been increasing in recent years.