Speaking Notes for
The Honourable Diane Finley
Minister of
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
for the
National launch of Canada Summer Jobs 2011
Ottawa, Ontario
June 10, 2011
Check against delivery
Hello,
I am very excited to be with you today to announce the national kick-off of the Canada Summer Jobs program for 2011.
As the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, I know how important summer jobs are for students. These jobs allow our young people to gain valuable work experience and to fund their education.
That is why the Canada Summer Jobs initiative provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses to support them as they create summer job opportunities for students across Canada.
We have seen real success with this program and it has helped to boost our economy, which remains our government’s top priority.
That’s why, starting in 2011, we have permanently increased the budget for Canada Summer Jobs by $10 million.
The additional funding for the program will create as many as 3,500 additional jobs for students this summer across Canada, benefiting communities and strengthening local economies right across Canada.
This year, approximately 22,000 agreements will be signed with employers and over 36,000 summer jobs will be created. This will allow students to gain the skills and experience they need to compete in today’s labour market while earning money for the upcoming school year.
The summer job opportunities are available for young people 15 to 30 years old who are full-time students and intend to return to school in the next school year.
Students who participate in Canada Summer Jobs will have an outstanding work experience and get a chance to make a meaningful contribution to their communities.
As we made clear in our election platform and in our most recent Budget, we want to ensure Canadians have the information, skills and work experience to succeed in the workplace.
The Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan helps young Canadians get the education and skills they need to succeed.
Our government is enhancing and expanding eligibility for Canada Student Loans and Grants for part-time and full-time post-secondary students.
Canada Student Grants provide money – that doesn’t need to be paid back – to help students from low- and middle-income families, or students with disabilities, or low-income students with children.
We have set up a $2,000 Apprenticeship Completion Grant for people who have successfully completed an apprenticeship program in a Red Seal trade. This builds on our Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, which has been a real success in encouraging young people to pursue jobs in the skilled trades.
Canadians recognize that skills and experience are essential for success in the workplace. Our Government has invested heavily in ensuring all Canadians, young and old, have access to education, training and job opportunities.
For young Canadians like those with me today, the experience they will gain this summer will result in new opportunities in the future.
This summer, the students will be helping the Nepean museum deliver educational and seasonal programming.
As our economy recovers and grows, it is individuals like these who will make up the workforce of tomorrow.
Those who will return to their studies in the Fall will do so with valuable new experience and the ability to invest in the future.
Our government is committed to creating jobs across Canada and helping all Canadians succeed.
Thank you for celebrating this wonderful news with me today!
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