Chilliwack-Hope MP Mark Strahl is encouraging local small businesses, not-for-profits and public sector employees to apply for funding through the 2020 Canada Summer Jobs program and the deadline to apply has been extended to Feb. 28.
The CSJ program is designed to get more youth working, creating quality summer job opportunities for people between the ages of 15 and 30.
“This program helps young Canadians develop their skills and gain valuable workplace experience, all while building our workforce,” Strahl said.
Through the CSJ program, not-for-profit employers can receive funding for up to 100 per cent of the provincial/territorial minimum hourly wage and mandatory employment-related costs. Small businesses with 50 or fewer employees and public-sector employers and can receive funding for up to 50 per cent of the provincial/territorial minimum hourly wage.
The minimum wage in B.C. is currently $13.85 per hour and will rise to $14.60 per hour on June 1.
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The CSJ program has several priorities, and applicants are weighed on how well they meet those priorities.
– Organizations that provide services to or intend to hire youth who self-identify as being part of under‑represented groups or as having additional barriers to entering or staying in the labour market.
– Opportunities offered by organizations that provide services to persons with disabilities or intend to hire youth with disabilities.
– Opportunities for youth in rural areas, remote communities or official language minority communities.
– Opportunities offered by organizations that focus on protecting and conserving the environment.
– Opportunities for youth to work in small businesses, in recognition of their contribution to the creation of jobs.
“Young Canadians are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are leaders today. That’s why our government is focused on ensuring they get the skills and training they need to succeed, while helping businesses during the busy summer months,” said Carla Qualtrough, the federal government’s Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion. “Canada Summer Jobs is an incredibly important program for helping young people achieve this. Providing youth with opportunities for paid, meaningful work experience helps ensure they are equipped for the jobs of the future.”
For more info or to apply, visit Canada.ca/Canada-summer-jobs or a Service Canada Centre.