THUNDER BAY – Employers have less than a week to submit for funding under the Canada Summer Jobs program, which has been expanded significantly by the federal government.
There will be up to 120,000 job opportunities available to young Canadians through the program in 2021. If filled, that would represent a 50 per cent increase from the 80,000 approved in 2020.
Employers have until Jan. 29 to apply for CSJ opportunities.
The program heavily subsidizes temporary jobs for youth between the ages of 15 and 30 to develop and improve their skills in the not-for-profit, small business, and public sectors.
CSJ positions will be fully funded for non-profits, and 75 per cent funded for small businesses. Organizations must have 50 or fewer full-time employees to qualify.
In a statement, Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski encouraged local organizations to take advantage of the opportunity, particularly given the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Creating more job opportunities for young Canadians has never been more important than now,” he said. “This program has helped so many young people in Northwestern Ontario over the years.”
Employers can apply by first opening an account via the Government Grants and Contributions Online Services portal.
The government will allow more flexibility in the program again this year, allowing end dates for positions up to February of 2022, and allowing the CSJ to cover part-time opportunities.
The Canada Summer Jobs program has been consistently expanded by the Trudeau government, costing approximately $320 million in 2020.
