OTTAWA, ONTARIO, February 2, 2009-The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today invited employers to apply for funding through Canada Summer Jobs 2009, a Government of Canada initiative which supports work experiences for students as well as organizations providing important community services.
"In light of the current economy, it is important that we help employers support students and community needs," said Minister Finley. "Canada Summer Jobs is designed to do just that, by focusing on local priorities and achieving tangible results."
Employers can apply on-line, at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2009, or print an application form from the Web site. They can also get an application form by visiting any Service Canada Centre (SCC). Applications must be submitted by February 27, 2009.
"Our government is helping students get the work experience they need to fully participate in the job market," added Minister Finley. "Canada Summer Jobs is one of many initiatives our government offers to help students."
Funding will be offered to not-for-profit, public-sector and small private-sector employers to create high-quality summer jobs for young people 15 to 30 years old who are full-time students and intend to return to school in the next school year. Larger private-sector employers with more than 50 employees are not eligible for funding.
To help employers fill their application, the Canada Summer Jobs Applicant Guide is available on-line or at Service Canada Centres. Also, beginning February 3, 2009, Service Canada will be hosting stakeholder information sessions on Canada Summer Jobs 2009. This is an opportunity for employers to learn more about the initiative and application process.
For online information on Canada Summer Jobs, visit the following Web site: www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2009.
Further information can be found in the attached backgrounder.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
Media inquiries:
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development
819-994-5559
Public inquiries:
Youth Info Line: 1-800-935-5555
servicecanada.gc.ca
Backgrounder
Canada Summer Jobs is an initiative of the Summer Work Experience program. It provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to create high-quality summer job opportunities for students between the ages of 15 and 30.
Canada Summer Jobs is about:
- providing work experiences for students;
- supporting organizations, including those that provide important community services; and
- recognizing that local circumstances, community needs and priorities vary widely.
Canada Summer Jobs is focused on encouraging not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to create jobs that not only meet their needs, but also benefit students looking to gain work experiences.
Criteria to assess the proposals will focus on:
- service to local communities;
- jobs that support local priorities;
- jobs that provide career-related experience or early work experience;
- a salary that contributes to the student's income;
- an employer who provides supervision and mentoring;
- project activities that are directed toward members of, and support the vitality of, an official language minority community; and
- an employer who intends to hire priority students (students with disabilities, Aboriginal students, and students who are members of visible minority groups).
How to apply for Canada Summer Jobs
Employers can apply on-line or print an application form from the Web site to fill out by hand. They can also get an application form by visiting any Service Canada Centre (SCC).
Before filling out an application, employers should consult the Applicant Guide. It is available on the Internet, by calling the Youth Info Line at 1-800-935-5555, or by visiting any Service Canada Centre (SCC).
It contains the following information for employers:
- eligibility criteria;
- instructions for completing the Canada Summer Jobs application;
- the assessment process; and
- the approval process.
How to apply:
The on-line application process makes applying quick and easy. For every on-line application submitted, Service Canada will issue a confirmation number. Employers must keep this number for future reference.
Employers can also download a printable form. Completed applications may be submitted in person, by mail, or by fax at any Service Canada Centre.
Application deadline
The deadline for applications is February 27, 2009.
If employers are applying:
- on-line, they must submit their applications by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time;
- in person,* they must submit their applications at any Service Canada Centre before closing time on February 27, 2009;
- by mail,* their applications must be postmarked on or before February 27, 2009; or
- by fax, their applications must be received at any Service Canada Centre by 11:59 p.m. local time.
*If employers who are submitting an application in person or by mail would like to confirm that Service Canada has received the application, they need to fill out an acknowledgment card and submit it with their application. This card is included with the instructions for completing the application form in the Canada Summer Jobs Applicant Guide.
Applications received or postmarked after the closing date of February 27, 2009, will not be assessed.
