Canada Summer Jobs Program: Creating Generational Fairness and Opportunities for Young Canadians

Quebec, Quebec – In a significant move towards fostering generational fairness, the Government of Canada is ramping up efforts to create opportunities for young Canadians to develop their skills and gain vital experience. This initiative is aimed at not only helping youth enter the workforce but also enabling them to thrive within it.

Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, on behalf of the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, underscored the impact of the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. This year, the program has successfully created over 70,000 job opportunities for youth across the country. Notably, in Quebec alone, nearly 15,000 jobs were generated for young Canadians in 2023. This initiative aligns with the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to support young Canadians, making life more affordable and equipping them with the skills and experience needed to build a better future.

🌞 Excited for another year of the #CanadaSummerJobs program! Providing valuable work experience and opportunities for youth across the country. Empowering the next generation with skills and experience to build a bright future! 🇨🇦 #SummerJobs #YouthEmployment #CanadaJobs pic.twitter.com/d0LyxjiAdH

— Jean-Yves Duclos (@jyduclos) July 3, 2024

The Canada Summer Jobs program prioritizes projects that support youth facing barriers to employment. This includes youth with disabilities, Indigenous youth, and Black and other racialized youth. By offering equitable opportunities for all young people to develop their skills, the program helps them succeed in an evolving labour market.

The budget for 2025-26 includes a proposed $200.5 million investment to continue the Canada Summer Jobs program. This demonstrates the government’s steadfast commitment to creating opportunities for young Canadians. These job opportunities allow youth to gain valuable work experience, develop essential skills, and earn money over the summer in various sectors, including those facing critical labour shortages such as housing construction.

The success of Canada hinges on the success of its youngest generations. Gen Z, a diverse group, ranges from those contemplating their future careers to those embarking on their first full-time jobs. With a lifetime of opportunity ahead, they are being empowered to aim high.

Ensuring that Gen Z has good opportunities to launch their careers is crucial for Canada’s economic growth potential. As baby boomers increasingly reach retirement age, the younger workforce must be equipped with opportunities to build their skills and gain meaningful work experience. Gen Z needs the confidence of knowing they will find good jobs that will help them get ahead.

Through initiatives like Canada Summer Jobs, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting youth at every stage of their journey towards a bright and prosperous future. The focus remains on making life more affordable and providing young Canadians with the opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we are building a fairer generation and a stronger Canada.