Harper government supports summer jobs for Canadian youth

HALIFAX, Dec. 2, 2013 /CNW/ - Employers can now apply for Canada Summer Jobs 2014 funding, which will create thousands of job opportunities for students across the country, today announced the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism.

Canada Summer Jobs helps students gain the skills and experience they need to be successful and prepare for the workforce of tomorrow, while earning money for the upcoming school year.

"Through Canada Summer Jobs, our government is dedicated to helping students get the skills and training they need to become top-notch at what they do," said Minister MacKay. "Our government's commitment to creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity is steadfast. We encourage employers to apply for funding and create jobs that will not only benefit students, but communities and local economies as well."

The employer application period for Canada Summer Jobs has changed. Applications are now available at servicecanada.gc.ca/csj and must be submitted by January 31, 2014. These new timelines mean successful employers will be notified sooner and have more time to recruit students.

Funding will be available to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses. Young people aged 15 to 30, who are full-time students and intend to return to school in the fall, can qualify for these job opportunities.

The event took place at the Canada Games Centre, a past Canada Summer Jobs funding recipient.

"The Canada Games Centre in Halifax is committed to the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles and to providing opportunities for young Nova Scotians in our community", said Gary Furlong, General Manager of the Canada Games Centre Society. "Thanks to the Government of Canada, the funding received has allowed students to gain valuable work skills through the delivery of programming to children in an all-inclusive environment."

Canada Summer Jobs provides $107.5 million annually across all 308 federal constituencies to create student employment. Since 2007, the program has helped over 260 000 students. Canada Summer Jobs 2014 is expected to create approximately 35 000 jobs, while helping employers address skills shortages.

Canada Summer Jobs is part of the Government's Youth Employment Strategy. By investing in youth we are helping contribute to Canada's economic growth and long-term prosperity.

Backgrounder

Canada Summer Jobs provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses (i.e. businesses with 50 or fewer employees), to help create summer job opportunities for students.

Not-for-profit employers could receive up to 100 percent of the provincial/territorial minimum hourly wage and mandatory employment-related costs. Public-sector employers and small businesses, with 50 or fewer employees, could receive up to 50 percent of the provincial/territorial minimum hourly wage.

Employers can apply online at servicecanada.gc.ca/csj. Information about accessing this application is available by calling 1-800-935-5555, or by visiting any Service Canada Centre.

Completed applications may be submitted using one of the following methods:

• Online: Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2014, 23:59 Pacific Time. Applying online is quick and easy.
• In person: Applications must be submitted before the closing time of the local Service Canada Centre on January 31, 2014.
• By mail: Applications must be postmarked on or before January 31, 2014.

Canada Summer Jobs is part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES). YES is the Government of Canada's commitment to help youth make a successful transition to the workplace. With annual funding of approximately $300 million, YES helps youth obtain career information, develop employment skills, find jobs and stay employed. Since 2006, YES has helped more than 555 000 young people develop skills, to the benefit of the Canadian economy.

Youth employment programs are part of the Government of Canada's strategy to connect Canadians with available jobs. Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes new measures to equip Canadians with the skills and training they need to fill skills shortages and succeed in the Canadian labour market.

To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit actionplan.gc.ca.

The Government of Canada is helping youth plan their careers, learn new skills and find jobs through enhanced online services available at youth.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada