THUNDER BAY -- The federal government is spending $870,000 to address the issue of low youth employment in Northwestern Ontario.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Patty Hajdu on Thursday announced the Canada Summer Jobs program will help create job opportunities for 276 students across Northern Ontario.
The efforts are a part of the Liberal party's 2017 budget, which is spending $395 million to the Youth Employment Strategy over three years.
“Young people need money just like everyone else,” said the minister of employment. “They also need paid experience. One of the things I’ve heard from employers over and over is paid experience on resumes.”
As a result of the additional funding, 93 organizations across the region have committed to hiring Indigenous students.
“Indigenous people struggle more disproportionately with employment for a variety of reasons they have a real challenge,” Hajdu said. “For young Indigenous students to have employment… it’s a way to work on those issues of inclusion.”
The Indigenous Learning Centre is one recipients of the funding that will work with families to get an opportunity to contribute to their communities.
“Whether it’s child rearing, or pursuit of an education, (students) will have an opportunity to contribute back to Indigenous communities.”
Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré, who was in town for a Northern caucus meeting, said the collaboration of northern MPs helps get a better perspective on issues such as youth unemployment.
“When we look as a group at the priorities, it helps us advocate and support our MPs,” Serré said. “When we approach cabinet, when we approach different ministers, we have a stronger voice.”
