JONQUIERE-ALMA (QUÉBEC), April 6, 2009-The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of state (Agriculture) and Member of Parliament for Jonquiere-Alma, 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 Blackburn. "That is why Canada's Economic Action Plan contains increased funding of $20 million for Canada Summer Jobs for the next two years."
Thus, "for this year, in addition to the 22,5 million dollars already allocated to the districts of Quebec, an additional 2,3 million dollars is now available to help the employers of this province", mentioned the Blackburn minister.
For the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, the budget increases more than 120.000 dollars, to reach the lump sum of 1,9 million dollars for the current year. As a matter of fact, the district of Jonquiere-Alma will see its budget raised by 45,010 dollars, that is to say 7%, for a total of 697,354 dollars.
"In the district of Jonquiere-Alma, a hundred requests have already been presented this year, and we expect to have the analysis of these requests finished before the end April. We want to provide these organizations and companies with answers as soon as possible, so that they can proceed with the recruitment of the students as soon as possible", stated the minister.
"Over the next two years, our government is investing more to support young Canadians," added Minister Blackburn. "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:
Natalie Boileau
Press secretary
Office of Minister Blackburn
613-697-1845
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.
