Yellowknife, N.W.T. - A program that brought young volunteers from across the country to Yellowknife lost its funding in the last budget and some local partner organizations are expressing disappointment with the decision.

Ecology North's Shannon Ripley said they've had Katimavik volunteer for three years and they've been a huge help.

Ripley describes how she felt when she heard the budget was cut.

"I was really distraught,” said Ripley, “I was extremely disappointed and to be honest really angry as well."

She said that without a Katimavik volunteer it will mean Ecology North is not able to do as much outreach.

Old Town Glass Works also host youth from the program and president Mathew Grogono echoed some of Ripley's sentiments about the budget cuts.

"I was very disappointed,” he said,  “I've been aware of Kitimavik since its creation back in the 70s and thought that it was an excellent opportunity for youth that haven't quite decided what direction to go in their careers and gives them a chance to see Canada and to try a variety of different venues."

The federal government has defended the cuts saying the cost per participant was too high.

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