Increased support for Canada Summer Jobs strengthens local economic recovery

MAPLE RIDGE, BC – FEBRUARY 15, 2011 - The Canada Summer Jobs program is now accepting applications. From now until February 28, 2011, local MP Randy Kamp (Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge—Mission) is encouraging not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to apply for this Government of Canada initiative that provides funding to help employers create summer job opportunities for students. It is designed to focus on local priorities while helping both students and their communities.

In December, the Government of Canada announced a significant investment of an additional $10 million in the Canada Summer Jobs program that will create more job opportunities for students. This commitment will also support important community services and strengthen the economy. The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, made the announcement to launch the program.

“The economy remains our government’s top priority,” said Minister Finley. “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. Our government’s investment in the Canada Summer Jobs program will create as many as 3 500 additional jobs for students next summer, strengthening the local economies of communities right across Canada.”

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. .

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Harper, our government will continue to deliver the stability needed to support and protect the economic well-being and financial security of Canadian workers and businesses,” added Minister Finley.

The Economic Action Plan is supporting Canada’s economic recovery. Since July of last year, Canada has created close to 400,000 new jobs; however, the global recovery is still fragile. That’s why jobs and the economy remain the Government of Canada’s top priority as it continues to implement its job-creating, low-tax plan.

For 2011, the budget for Canada Summer Jobs in Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge—Mission will be $292,579, an increase of $34,766 from last year.
“Canada Summer Jobs not only provides young Canadians with valuable work experience, it also helps employers deliver those quality jobs,” said MP Kamp. “This is just another example of our Government delivering results in Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge—Mission.”

Applications must be submitted by February 28, 2011. Interested employers can apply online at http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2011 or at their local Service Canada Centre. Canada Summer Jobs is an important part of the Government’s long-term Youth Employment Strategy, which helps young people get the tools, skills and work experience they need to make a successful transition to the workplace.