Government of Canada is helping students prepare for the future through summer employment
May 2, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
03-26
ORILLIA/RAMARA, ONTARIO-The Government of Canada is continuing to help Canadian students find summer jobs. Speaking at the National Rural Youth Conference, the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Rural Development) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario), on behalf of the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), reiterated the federal government's commitment to help students find summer employment. The conference has brought together young Canadians living in rural and northern regions to learn how they can make a difference in their communities.
"Many students who will find career-related jobs this summer will do so because of Government of Canada programs that help students take those critical first steps on their path to success. In today's society, it's important for youth to think about their careers now so they have the skills required to participate in the future work force," said Mr. Mitchell.
One of these programs is Student Summer Job Action (SSJA) 2003. Launched by Minister Stewart in January, this program consists of all Government of Canada initiatives, under the Youth Employment Strategy (YES), designed to create summer employment opportunities for secondary and post-secondary students. The Government of Canada is investing $120 million to create job opportunities for students this summer under SSJA.
A major component of SSJA is Human Resources Development Canada's Summer Career Placements (SCP) program, which offers wage subsidies to employers in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors to create jobs related to students' career interests and their fields of study. Presently, all applications that were submitted prior to the deadline are being reviewed at local HRDC offices. Again this year, the program is aiming to create more than 50,000 work experiences.
"These programs are aiming to provide students with the opportunity to work in fields they are interested in. This will allow them to gain the necessary tools to prepare for their future," added Mr. Mitchell.
This is also the 35th year that Human Resources Development Canada Offices for Students (HRDC-S) have opened their doors to help students and employers with their summer employment needs. HRDC-Ss, which are currently opening for the summer across the country, have been providing a variety of free services to help students improve their job search skills and acquire meaningful employment, and to help employers find qualified, enthusiastic summer help. Last summer, the HRDC-Ss helped approximately 480,000 youth.
The Youth Employment Strategy is a key initiative of the Government of Canada's Innovation and Learning Agenda. It promotes partnerships with all levels of government, employers, unions, educators and communities to create a climate in which youth can enhance their skills, gain practical experience, and access learning opportunities that will help them find and retain work in the future.
Funding for these initiatives was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
HRDC funding for SCP has been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Department's administration of its grants and contributions programs.
- 30 -
For more information:
Media Relations Office
Human Resources Development Canada
(819) 994-5559