Edmonton, AB – Today the Hon. Laurie Hawn, PC, CD, MP for Edmonton Centre, highlighted the Government of Canada’s investment of $50 million in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES), a new approach to help approximately 3000 young Canadians find jobs in high demand sectors of the economy. The initiative will help address labour shortages by equipping youth with skills and experience, and creating opportunities for them to start careers in high demand fields.
“Just about the best thing we can do for Canada’s economic future is to give our young people the opportunity to develop the job skills to meet labour market demands,” said MP Laurie Hawn.
The Hon. Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, kicked off the nation-wide events by launching two Calls for Proposals to deliver the funding—one for Career Focus and one for Skills Link—both of which are existing programs under the Youth Employment Strategy. The Calls will open on September 5 and close on October 19. Organizations across Canada are invited to apply. Organizations, including but not limited to, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, crown corporations, educational institutions, Aboriginal organizations, and provincial, territorial and municipal governments can apply for funding.
“A good job is vital to improving quality of life, and a skilled workforce is vital to building a competitive and prosperous country. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s workforce, and we are committed to bridging the gap for young people who are stuck between having no experience, and no job. With no job, you can’t gain experience,” said MP Laurie Hawn.
The Government of Canada has met with employers from across the country to discuss skills and labour demand shortages. The results of these consultations coupled with the most recent labour market information helped determine what occupations are most in demand.
Organizations applying under Career Focus can receive up to $1.5 million per year. The Career Focus projects must connect recent post-secondary graduates with private sector work experience in high demand occupations and be delivered in a minimum of three different provinces or territories.
Organizations applying under Skills Link can receive up to $2 million per year. The Skills Link projects must provide youth facing barriers to employment with skills development and private sector work experience in high demand occupations.
“Young Canadians are eager to be a part of a strong economic future for their country and their families, and anything that we can do to foster their success will be money well spent,” concluded MP Hawn.
Information is available at servicecanada.gc.ca.