Students in Vancouver Island North will gain valuable work experience this summer, as a result of the Government of Canada’s Canada Summer Jobs initiative.
John Duncan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, made the announcement last week on behalf of the Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“Creating summer jobs for students benefits not only youth and employers, but also local economies across the country,” said MP John Duncan. “Canada Summer Jobs is yet another excellent example of how our government is creating jobs and economic growth.”
This year on the North Island, approximately 74 agreements will be signed with employers and 92 student summer jobs will be created. The Vancouver Island North constituency will receive nearly $400,000 in Canada Summer Jobs funding.
Canada Summer Jobs is part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES), which also includes the Skills Link and Career Focus programs. With an annual budget of more than $300 million, YES helps youth obtain career information, develop employment skills, find jobs and stay employed.
Economic Action Plan (EAP) 2013 proposes an additional investment of $70 million over three years in YES to support 5 000 more paid internships. This is further to the extra $50 million that was invested through EAP 2012 to enhance YES with a new initiative that connects young Canadians with jobs that are in high demand.
The Government of Canada is also helping youth plan their careers, learn new skills and find jobs through enhanced online services available at youth.gc.ca.