Toronto 
Today, Justin Trudeau announced temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program to complement the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, which committed $107 billion in support to Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of COVID-19.
The government has announced temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program with the aim of helping employers including small businesses to hire and keep summer staff and provide young Canadians access to the jobs they need during this unprecedented time. The Government of Canada has earmarked $263 million in funding for the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2020. According to the news release, the government expects that this program will help create up to 70,000 jobs for youth between 15 and 30 years of age.
The Canada Summer Jobs call for applications for the 2020 season closed on February 28, 2020. In response to the economic impacts created by the COVID-19 situation, the government of Canada will work with Members of Parliament to identify organizations that provide essential services in the community and could provide youth jobs but did not apply for the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2020.
Temporary Changes to Canada Summer Jobs Program
In previous years, private and public sector employers were only eligible to receive a wage subsidy of up to 50 per cent of the provincial or territorial minimum wage.
- an increase to the wage subsidy, so that private and public sector employers can also receive up to 100 per cent of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage for each employee.
- an extension to the end date for employment to February 28, 2021
- allowing employers to adapt their projects and job activities to support essential services
- allowing employers to hire staff on a part-time basis
- Job placements could begin as early as May 11, 2020, and end as late as February 28, 2021.
- The increase to the wage subsidy for private and public sector employers will be for this year only.
Other Measures to Help Students
- A six-month, interest-free moratorium on Canada Student Loans
- 75 per cent wage subsidy for businesses that will help more employers keep part-time employees and workers over the coming months.
HOW TO APPLY FOR JOBS
Youth will be able to search for jobs available in their communities through the Job Bank website and app.
