MILTON, ONTARIO, April 6, 2009—The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Halton, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced increased funding of $20 million for Canada Summer Jobs to help Canadian students acquire skills and work experience.
“In light of the current economy, it is important that we help our students,” said Minister Raitt. “That is why Canada’s Economic Action Plan contains increased funding of $20 million for Canada Summer Jobs for the next two years.”
Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative that supports work experiences for students, as well as organizations providing important community services. The additional funding now brings the budget for this initiative up to $107.5 million for each of the next two years.
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 experience.
The number of jobs to be created will depend on the types of projects proposed by employers and the duration of employment. In 2008, approximately 36,000 summer jobs for students were created under this initiative.
“Over the next two years, our government is investing more to support young Canadians,” added Minister Raitt. “This means the creation of more jobs for students, as well as preparing them for the work force, through experience and learning opportunities across the country.”
Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is enhancing support to Canadians during the global recession, and investing in Canada’s long-term growth. The Government is investing an unprecedented $8.3 billion in the Canada Skills and Transition Strategy to support workers and their families, including measures for income support and skills and training.
For more information on this initiative, please visit the following Web site: www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2009.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
Media inquiries:
Jasmine MacDonnell
Director of Communications
Office of Minister Raitt
613-996-7252
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Public inquiries:
Youth Info Line: 1-800-935-5555
servicecanada.gc.ca
Canada Summer Jobs
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 to create high-quality summer job opportunities for students between the ages of 15 and 30.
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 experience.
Not-for-profit employers are eligible for up to 100 percent of the provincial/territorial minimum hourly wage and mandatory employment-related costs. Public sector employers and small private sector employers are eligible for up to 50 percent of the provincial/territorial minimum hourly wage.
To find out more, please visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2009.
