Increased support for Canada Summer Jobs strengthens local economic recovery

Chatham, ON - The Government of Canada has announced a significant investment in the Canada Summer Jobs program that will create more job opportunities for students. “The economy remains our government’s top priority,” said The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, at the launch of this year’s program. “That’s why we are creating thousands of new jobs for young Canadians, so they can find employment and gain the skills and experience they need to succeed.”

Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent Essex Dave Van Kesteren added, “Starting this year our government is permanently increasing the budget for Canada Summer Jobs by $10 million.  This additional funding will create as many as 3,500 more student jobs next summer across Canada, some of those here in Chatham-Kent Essex.”

Funding will be available to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses to create high-quality summer job opportunities for young people aged 15 to 30 years who are full-time students and intend to return to school in the next school year.

The total budget for Canada Summer Jobs will be distributed across the 308 federal constituencies, with Members of Parliament consulted and encouraged to provide input to determine specific priorities in their communities.

Applications will be available on February 1, 2011 and must be submitted by February 28, 2011. Interested employers can apply online at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2011 or at their local Service Canada Centre.