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Government Helping with Summer Employment

Jan 24, 2016 | 8:31 AM

CANADA – Businesses and non-profit organizations are getting a leg up from the government, with funding for summer employment.

Private and public employers can receive up to 50-percent of the provincial minimum wage, with non-profits receiving 100-percent.

The Canada Summer Jobs Program’s main goal is to create opportunities for students between the ages of 13 and 30, who intend to return to school the following year.

It also falls under the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy, which is committed to younger people who face barriers to employment. It gives them the chance to learn valuable skills and experience to make the transition into bigger job markets.

Foothills MP, John Barlow, hopes this will help with job markets in the current economic downturn. “Students are going to be maybe having a bit tougher time finding employment, while employers may be having to scale back… So, this is an opportunity for them to have some federal funding to hire. On the flip side, it will hopefully mean some more jobs for summer students.”

Barlow says the main focus is on disadvantaged community groups, as well as organizations like local museums or tourist attractions. However, he encourages all eligible applicants to apply.

Applications can be submitted until February 26. If chosen as a participant, hiring could begin as early as May.