In this time of fragile economic recovery, many students worry about finding employment during the summer months.

Through the Canada Summer Jobs initiative, our government is investing money to assist employers in creating job opportunities for students.

Funding is being targeted at organizations that serve to further local priorities, putting students to work achieving tangible results for themselves and their communities.
Canada Summer Jobs aims to:

• Provide work experience for students;
• Support organizations in their work to provide important community services;
• Target the unique priorities and needs of each individual community, recognizing that circumstances vary widely between places across Canada.

Canadian not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees are invited to apply for funding through this program so they may provide valuable work opportunities to students in their area. The deadline to apply is February 28.

Not-for-profit employers can receive funding for up to 100 percent of employment-related costs, including provincial/territorial minimum wage, while public-sector branches and small businesses can receive up to 50 percent of the hourly minimum wage salary in funding.

Full-time students between the ages of 15 and 30 who intend to return to school in the next academic year and are legally entitled to work in Canada can apply for this program.

This is just one part of the Summer Work Experience program designed to help secondary and post-secondary students find meaningful employment during the summer months and gain valuable work experience.

We have also developed a number of youth employment initiatives to provide youth with valuable networking opportunities and help them develop practical skills that will help them prepare for their futures and realize their employment goals.

Now more than ever, it is important to support our students in making a successful transition into the work force.

For more information about the Youth Employment Strategy or to apply to participate in Canada Summer Jobs or any of our other employment programs as an employer or as a student, please visit Youth Canada’s web site at www.youth.gc.ca.

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The audio version of Garry's February 7, 2011 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here