It’s time to spread the word about the employer application period for Canada Summer Jobs 2015. This year, applications will be accepted until January 30, 2015. Funding is available to not-for-profit organizations, small businesses and public-sector employers and applies to secondary and post-secondary students.

The Canada Summer Jobs program is part of a larger federal government strategy called YES (Youth Employment Strategy). Our government invests approximately $330 million every year in YES in order to do exactly what the Canada Summer Jobs program has mandated: to help our younger people develop employable skills and gain necessary work experience.

Since the Canada Summer Jobs program began in 2006-2007, it has helped over 304,000 students. Last year, church camps, museums, small businesses and local charitable organizations were among those that benefitted within the federal constituency of Yorkton-Melville. In 2015, the program is expected to create approximately 35,000 jobs.

Investing in students benefits our community, economy and society as a whole. The Canada Summer Jobs program creates a win-win situation for both employers and employees. It provides students with valuable work experience and extra money for the upcoming school year. It also helps them get the skills and training they may need for current and future jobs.
The program also pays part of employee salaries during the often busy summer months. By hiring students, employers benefit from the fresh perspective and new ideas they bring to the workplace.

As a government – and as employers – we have to tap into the great potential of our young people. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s workforce. By investing in them now, we are helping contribute to Canada’s economic growth and long-term prosperity.

I strongly encourage employers to apply for funding and give our young people the opportunity to develop the skills and gain the work experience they need to be successful, now and in the future.

More information and applications are available at: www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj.  Please remember, applications must be submitted by January 30, 2015.

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