Ottawa, Ontario—Thousands of students will gain valuable job skills this summer while earning money for their education as a result of the federal Canada Summer Jobs initiative. The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, made the announcement today.
“Our government’s top priority is creating jobs and economic growth, and Canada Summer Jobs is an excellent example of how we are doing just that,” said Minister Finley. “Through Canada Summer Jobs, we are creating 36 000 important job opportunities and valuable work experiences for students across the country.”
Minister Finley highlighted the student jobs created at the Saskatchewan Abilities Council as a concrete example of the type of tangible work experience youth gain through this initiative. The Saskatchewan Abilities Council is receiving over $24,000 to employ six students across Saskatchewan as summer program coordinators. The funding will enable the students to gain the skills and experience they need to be successful, both now and in their future careers.
“The Saskatchewan Abilities Council is grateful for the support from Canada Summer Jobs,” said Karen Moore, Regional Director, Regina Branch of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council. “It will assist us in delivering summer programs to persons with disabilities in our communities. We are pleased that, through Canada Summer Jobs, students from across the province will gain on-the-job experience in their careers of choice and the persons with disabilities participating in our programs will benefit from a meaningful summer experience.”
Canada Summer Jobs is an important part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES). With annual funding of more than $300 million, YES helps youth, particularly those facing barriers to employment, obtain career information, develop employment skills, find jobs and stay employed.
Economic Action Plan 2012 will provide an additional $50 million over two years to enhance YES so that more young people can develop skills and gain experience. This funding will focus on connecting young Canadians with jobs in fields that are in high demand. Additionally, the Government of Canada permanently increased the annual budget for Canada Summer Jobs by $10 million in 2011.
“Canada Summer Jobs benefits students and employers, and strengthens the economies of communities throughout Canada,” added Minister Finley. “By investing in our youth, we are helping contribute to Canada’s long-term growth, competitiveness and overall prosperity.”
- 30 -
For more information, contact:
Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Follow us on Twitter
IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.
This news release is available online at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Canada Summer Jobs provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to create summer job opportunities for young people aged 15 to 30 years who are full-time students intending to return to their studies in the next school year.
Skills Link helps youth facing barriers to employment, including youth who are single parents, youth with disabilities and youth in rural and remote areas, to develop the skills and gain the experience needed to find a job or the confidence to return to school.
Career Focus provides funding to employers to hire young post-secondary graduates to give them career-related work experience and help them acquire skills to transition into the job market.
To learn more about YES and other youth employment initiatives, please visit Youth.gc.ca.
