The Government of Canada will offer 70,000 summer job opportunities for youth through the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. This initiative aims to provide young people aged 15 to 30 with valuable skills, hands-on experience, and career exploration, while also offering financial support for education and living costs. Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien, announced that the program builds on last year’s success, which surpassed the target by creating 71,200 jobs. Young job seekers can begin exploring available positions on the Job Bank website and mobile app starting April 21, 2025.
The Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program offers diverse roles in industries like recreation, food services, marketing, tourism, housing construction, and environmental protection, targeting sectors with labor shortages. A primary focus of the program is to assist young individuals facing employment barriers, including Indigenous youth, racialized youth, youth with disabilities, and those from rural or remote communities, to ensure equitable access to job opportunities and promote an inclusive workforce.
As part of the broader Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), the CSJ program aims to help young people transition into the workforce effectively. An independent audit by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada found that participants experience better long-term earnings than non-participants. Additionally, a 2024 survey indicated that 92% of respondents gained confidence in essential employment skills, while 85% felt more optimistic about their future career prospects.
In Budget 2024, the Government of Canada has allocated $351.2 million for the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) program for the 2025–26 fiscal year. This funding includes $200.5 million for the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) initiative, with a focus on creating jobs in critical sectors like housing construction. An additional $150.7 million will support job placements and employment services within the broader YESS framework.
Minister Ien highlighted the importance of the program, stating that summer jobs offer young people more than just a paycheck; they provide opportunities to gain experience, develop skills, and explore potential career paths. Through Canada Summer Jobs, thousands of youth can grow, contribute to their communities, and establish a solid foundation for their futures.