Employers and non-profit groups have been given a little more time to submit applications for summer jobs funding.
The deadline for organizations, along with public and private-sector employers, to apply for the Canada Summer Jobs Program has been extended to Wednesday at 3 p.m. Eastern time. The extension provides some extra time for employers to become eligible for funds to help hire people aged 15 to 30 for summer jobs.
Carla Qualtrough, federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, said businesses need the support now more than ever, as companies try to push through the economic slowdown brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Young Canadians today face unparalleled challenges finding good-quality jobs that they are passionate about," said Qualtrough in a media release. "The Canada Summer Jobs program presents tremendous opportunities for young people and for employers who are looking to hire new workers. I invite all employers who have not yet done so to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for funding today."
In 2020, about 80,000 requests for summer job funding were approved nationwide. This year, the goal is to approve 120,000 requests, a 50 per cent increase.
Temporary adjustments to the requirements were also made this year. These include the ability to hire staff for part-time work, an extension of the end-date of employment to February 26, 2022, and an increased wage subsidy for private and public-sector employers.
According to the December 2020 Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada, employment of those aged 15 to 24 was off by 27,000 jobs compared to December 2019, or before the COVID-19 pandemic.
For complete information on the 2021 Canada Summer Jobs Program, and to apply, visit the Government of Canada's official website.