OTTAWA — The federal government has announced temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program to help employers hire summer staff and provide young Canadians access to work during the COVID-19 crisis. The Government of Canada has earmarked $263 million in funding for the program, which is expected to help create up to 70,000 jobs for youth between 15 and 30 years of age.
The changes to the program aim to help small-businesses hire and keep the workers they need so they can continue to deliver essential services. These changes include an increase to the wage subsidy, so private- and public-sector employers can also receive up to 100 per cent of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage for each employee (up from 50 per cent in previous years). The updated program has also been extended to Feb. 28, 2021; allows employers to adapt their projects and job activities to support essential services; and allows employers to hire staff on a part-time basis.
“Small businesses and community organizations are the backbone of our economy, and a critical lifeline for communities across this country,” says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “They’re facing economic hardship and unprecedented service demands during the COVID-19 pandemic and that’s why we’re taking action now to get them the financial help they need to keep their doors open and support their communities.”
The Canada Summer Jobs program provides opportunities for youth to develop and improve their skills within the not-for-profit, small-business and public sectors and supports the delivery of key community services. Youth will be able to search for jobs available in their communities through the Job Bank website and app.
The Canada Summer Jobs call for applications for the 2020 season closed on Feb. 28, 2020. However, in response to the economic impacts created by COVID-19, the federal government will work with Members of Parliament to identify organizations that provide essential services in the community and could provide youth jobs but did not apply for the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2020.