THUNDER BAY -- The federal government is doubling funding for Canada Summer Jobs program and that could mean more robust opportunities for local youth.
The $110-million program is increasing to $220-million across the country, where it will stand for the next three summers. The dramatic increase is expected to create 70,000 jobs and marks the first change in program funding since 2009.
CSJ creates summer jobs for youth aged 15 to 30 who intend to return to their studies in the next school year.
Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu hopes both large industries and small businesses take advantage of the program to hire young people.
In a release, she suggested urban and rural youth can help innovate small businesses, making specific reference to the growing Indigenous demographic and employees who may extend welcome to Syrian refugees.
“I encourage not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario to apply for funding through Canada Summer Jobs program so that we can help our students gain the skills and experience they need to be successful, while earning money for the upcoming school year,” Hajdu said in the release.
The unemployment rate for Canadians under 25 years old exceeds 13 per cent, more than double the national unemployment rate of roughly six per cent for those over 25.
According to Statistics Canada, Thunder Bay's unemployment rate rose from 5.8 per cent in December to 6.5 per cent in January.
Applications are due on Mar. 11.
