The Canadian government has announced 70,000 job openings for young people this summer through the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. This initiative aims to provide employment opportunities that help youth gain valuable work experience while earning income to support their education and living expenses.
Who Can Apply?
The program targets young people between 15 and 30 years old. Minister for Women, Gender Equality, and Youth, Marci Ien, confirmed that eligible candidates will have access to job placements across multiple sectors, including:
- Recreation
- Food services
- Marketing
- Tourism
- Housing construction
- Environmental protection
How to Apply
Starting April 21, 2025, interested applicants can explore job openings through the Job Bank website and mobile app. The government encourages young job seekers to update their resumes, create a Job Bank account, and check regularly for new postings.
Prioritizing Equity and Inclusion
The Canada Summer Jobs program is particularly focused on providing opportunities to young people facing employment barriers. This includes Indigenous youth, Black and racialized youth, youth with disabilities, and those from rural, remote, or official language minority communities. The initiative promotes equitable job access and supports workforce inclusivity.
Delivered through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), the program helps young people transition into the workforce. Studies show that participants of the program experience better long-term earnings compared to non-participants.
Key Findings from 2024 Survey
A survey conducted in 2024 revealed that:
- 92% of participants gained confidence in critical employment skills.
- 85% expressed optimism about their future career prospects.
Government Investment
For the 2025-2026 financial year, the Canadian government has allocated $351.1 million to youth employment programs. Of this, $200.5 million is designated for Canada Summer Jobs, focusing on industries facing labor shortages such as housing construction. An additional $150.7 million will support job placements and employment services under the YESS initiative.
Minister Marci Ien emphasized the impact of the program, stating, “A summer job is more than just a paycheck; it’s an opportunity for young people to develop essential skills and explore career paths.”
For more details and to apply, visit the Job Bank website starting April 21, 2025.
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