Government of Canada creates jobs for youth in Vaughan

Newswire.ca
July 29, 2014

More than 90 students in Vaughan will gain valuable skills and work experience this summer, today announced the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Vaughan, along with the Honourable Kevin Sorenson, Minister of State (Finance), on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development.

This year in Vaughan, the Government of Canada has provided approximately $217,000 in funding through Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) to connect youth with over 40 different employers. An example of a successful employer is the Earth Rangers Foundation, which has received funding since 2008, totalling more than $95,000, to employ 25 students, including two this year.

The ministers visited the Earth Rangers Centre for Sustainable Technology and learned how the organization educates children and families about the importance of biodiversity, conservation and sustainability. Over the years, students hired through CSJ developed knowledge and skills in various fields, such as information technology, solar and green energy, and office administration.They also learned various ways to protect animals, their habitats and the environment.

Economic Action Plan 2014 is also providing the Earth Rangers Foundation $3 million over three years to expand its existing family oriented conservation and biodiversity programming. It will allow Earth Rangers to expand its programs across Canada, including in French in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.

CSJ helps students gain the skills and experience they need to be successful, now and in the future, while earning money for the upcoming school year. In 2014, the program is expected to create approximately 35,000 jobs, while helping employers address skills shortages.

Quick facts

• Since 2006, the Youth Employment Strategy has helped more than 555,000 young people develop skills, to the benefit of the Canadian economy.
• Through Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government of Canada is also supporting up to 3,000 internships in high-demand fields and up to 1,000 internships in small- and medium-sized businesses.
• Starting in 2011, the Government of Canada permanently increased the annual budget for Canada Summer Jobs by $10 million, bringing the total program budget to $107.5 million.

Quotes

"Creating summer jobs for students benefits not only youth and employers, but also local economies across the country. Canada Summer Jobs is yet another excellent example of how our government is creating jobs and economic growth."
-The Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development)

"Youth employment programs are part of our government's strategy to connect Canadians with available jobs. We are also providing $3 million over three years to help the Earth Rangers Foundation expand its conservation and biodiversity programs. It's great to see these two programs come together to create a new generation of environmental stewards."
-The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Vaughan

"Through Canada Summer Jobs, we are helping to equip young Canadians with the skills and experience they need to get jobs now and prepare for the workforce of tomorrow. This year alone, Canada Summer Jobs is creating approximately 35,000 job opportunities for youth across the country and more than 90 right here in Vaughan, including two at Earth Rangers. This helps students, employers and local economies; so it's a win-win-win situation."
-The Honourable Kevin Sorenson, Minister of State (Finance)

"Earth Rangers has received Canada Summer Jobs funding since 2008. The program has been incredibly important in helping with hands-on learning opportunities for the students."
-Peter Kendall, Executive Director, Earth Rangers