Building a strong middle class means giving Canada’s youth the tools they need to find and keep good jobs.

“We know that our communities are healthier and stronger when everyone can fully participate. Supporting youth as they transition into the workplace is a key way to stimulate our economy and strengthen the middle class. Young people will benefit greatly from the opportunity to develop their skills and gain valuable workplace experience.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

“For several years, the organization “Actions interculturelles” has played an important role as an intermediary for newcomers and the host community. Its work with young people, including these work integration projects, contributes positively to the vitality of our region.”
– The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

“Projects like “VIP skills” and “Starting a career of excellence” allow us to create the necessary links between youth who are disconnected from the job market and employers needing workers. We help these young people to overcome obstacles and find their path. Our role is to open the doors of businesses that hire young people and help them to experience success. It’s not easy, but we do it and it greatly benefits the youth, the employers, and our society.”
– Mohamed Soulami, Executive Director of Actions interculturelles

“As a newcomer, the first thing that I did was to learn French. Afterward, I tried to find a job, but it wasn’t easy. I’m sure that Actions interculturelles was the best choice for me, because there are jobs that are perfect for newcomers.”
– Zi Liang, employability project participant

• Career Focus and Skills Link are two of three program streams under the Government’s Youth Employment Strategy. Each year, the Government invests more than $330 million in the Youth Employment Strategy to help support young Canadians to get the skills, abilities and job experience  they need to find and maintain a good job. 

• Total funding for the Youth Employment Strategy was increased by $278 million in 2016–17, representing the largest investment since its launch.

• Budget 2017 is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years in the Youth Employment Strategy, starting in 2017–18.

• Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help:

  o   more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school;

  o   create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and

  o   provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector.

Related Products

• Backgrounder - Youth Employment Strategy

Associated Links

• Youth Employment Strategy
• Skills Link Program
• Career Focus Program

Matt Pascuzzo
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
819-654-5611

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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Claudia Laplante-Chapdelaine
Communications officer, Actions interculturelles
819-822-4415
claudia.laplante.chapdelaine@aide.org