Minorities, environmental employers, Indigenous youth among government priorities
For organizations looking to add summer staff, the time is now to apply for government assistance.
Not-for-profit organizations, public sector employees and private sector companies, with 50 or fewer full-time employees, can now apply for funding to hire young Canadians next summer.
The period runs until Jan. 12 and job placements will become available in April.
“We have a responsibility to equip young people with opportunities and skills, and to help employers access a pool of talented young employees who are dynamic, intelligent and eager to contribute. The Canada Summer Jobs program answers that call,” says Marci Ien, minister for women and gender equality and youth.
“This program connects employers with one of our country’s most valuable resources: youth. And it helps youth gain valuable skills and work experience, setting them up for a lifetime of success in the job market.”
Areas of focus
This year’s priorities include Black and other racialized young persons, which will hopefully address that cohorts’ ongoing problem with unemployment: 19 per cent of young Black persons, who are 15 to 24, and 12.5 per cent of visible minority youth suffer from lack of opportunities, versus the overall unemployment rate of 9.8 per cent for non-racialized youth.
Other areas targeted by the government include Indigenous youth, small organizations who have leaders in underrepresented groups and the environmental sector.
Unemployment remains at similar levels from recent months, according to the September job numbers.
3-year plan
This program is part of a greater investment of $802.1 million over the next three years, as part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy:
- $301.4 million to provide support and employment assistance to young people facing barriers.
- $400.5 million for annual summer job placements.
- $100.2 million for First Nations youth.
Job placements will happen next summer are full time (minimum of 30 and a maximum of 40 hours per week). All eligible opportunities must run between six to 16 weeks.
Interested employers can apply at the Canada Summer Jobs portal.
