Funding will support 1,200 jobs in agriculture, agri-food
The federal government will open the intake period for another phase of the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) later this month.
Applications for the program will open Jan. 27, 2025. The intake period will close Feb. 24, 2025. The federal government is investing about $13.5 million in the program.
“The Youth Employment and Skills Program is more than just an employment program – it’s an investment in the future of our agriculture and agri-food sector,” said Lawrence MacAulay, minister of agriculture and agri-food. “This program helps employers meet their staffing needs, while giving our young people some support to get their foot in the door – or onto the field – and pursue a career in agriculture. I encourage folks to take advantage of this vitally important program.”
There has been an “extraordinary rise in Canada’s working-age population” according to a previous report.
Details around Youth Employment and Skills Program funding
The YESP – part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), an Employment and Social Development Canada-led initiative involving 12 federal departments and agencies – will support approximately 1,200 jobs in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
The program offers support for 50 per cent of wages to a maximum of $14,000. If approved, the following employers are eligible to receive 80 per cent of total eligible costs, up to a maximum of $14,000:
- Indigenous individuals or organizations
- Employers who hire a youth facing barriers
The program can also provide up to $5,000 in additional support to offset the employment barrier faced by the employee hired.
If a youth facing barriers must relocate within Canada, reasonable expenses directly related to the relocation may also be eligible under barrier expenses. Barrier-related expenses cannot exceed $5,000 and will be supported at 80%. Non-barrier youth may also be eligible for pre-approved relocation costs at the 50% funding level to a maximum of $5,000.
Contributions towards eligible costs will normally be shared between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the employer as follows:
Non-barrier applications
- 50% of total salary to a maximum of $14,000
- If applicable, 50% of total relocation costs to a maximum of $5,000 (can be applied for at a later date, if conditional approval is received for initial application)
- AAFC – maximum of 50%
- Employer – minimum of 50%
Barrier applications
- 80% of total salary to a maximum of $14,000
- If applicable, 80% of total relocation costs and/or barrier-related costs to a maximum of $5,000 (can be applied for at a later date, if conditional approval is received for initial application)
- AAFC – maximum of 80%
- Employer – minimum of 20%
Stacking of government funds is permitted but you may not profit from the project. You cannot receive more than 100% of the total project amount in total financing (municipal, provincial or federal). The onus is on you to make sure the 'other program' allows stacking.
In mid-2024, the federal government announced it is investing approximately $370 million over four years to fund over 200 new youth employment community-led projects. Ottawa is delivering the funding through Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) YESS Program, one of several programs offered under the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy.
Who is eligible for the Youth Employment and Skills Program in Canada?
Applicants eligible for the YESP include:
- producers
- agri-businesses
- industry associations
- provincial and territorial governments
- Indigenous organizations
- research facilities
Applications from Indigenous employers will be prioritized for the 2025-2026 program year, according to the federal government.
Since the YESP began, approximately 6,200 youth have been employed in agricultural-related organizations from every province and territory. There have also been nearly 2,000 youth facing barriers employed through the program since its inception in 2019.
Application forms for AAFC’s YESP are available through the web page. Those looking for more information can email [email protected] or or call 1-866-452-5558.
Canadian job seekers are expecting a tough time finding new employment this year, according to a previous report from Express Employment Professionals.
