Starting the summer with new jobs and opportunities across Canada

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GATINEAU, Quebec – The Government of Canada is releasing details about new projects and programs creating jobs and opportunities in every province and territory. This includes 24 new projects that will help under-represented Canadians improve their employability skills. It also includes a provincial and territorial overview of the successful Canada Summer Jobs program that is funding 77,000 job positions across Canada. The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, made the announcement today.

Nearly 700 youth and over 400 people with disabilities will broaden their horizons as they obtain new job skills and gain real-life work experience through projects led by organizations in western, central and eastern Canada. Examples of projects include:

* The city of Toronto is helping young people prepare for future careers through its project. Through group workshops, up to 260 participants will learn job search and interview skills. The first of their two work experience opportunities will involve painting the facilities of non-profit organizations in their community.

Following this, participants will be paired with private sector jobs in areas such as administration, maintenance, mechanics, sales and gardening.

* Saint Mary’s University in Nova Scotia will lead two separate projects. The first will help up to 45 post-secondary graduates living in rural Nova Scotia get work experience in their field of study.

Job opportunities will focus on high-demand sectors including the sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics and skilled trades. The second will help up to 20 youth who are having difficulty finding a job. Participants will attend skills enhancement activities to learn about team building, communication and leadership skills. They will also obtain certification in First Aid and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems. To complete the project, the youth will get front-line work experience in the retail and food industry.

* Up to 90 people with disabilities, who are seeking employment in London or Strathroy, will participate in a project that will help them get and keep a job. Participants will attend pre-employment workshops to strengthen communication skills, develop resumés, perform job searches and practice interview skills. Individual counselling will also be available to help with career decisions, clarifying physical limitations and determining workplace accommodations. Each person will also get hands-on work experience in one of the following areas: service industry, retail, food services, administration or manufacturing.

Minister Mihychuk released detailed information about the Canada Summer Jobs program as well today. The new data confirms more organizations than ever before are participating in the program this year. It also demonstrates a record number of job positions approved for funding in every province and territory.

“I am always so impressed with the variety of projects we fund because it demonstrates how well organizations are in touch with their communities and understand the people they serve. Our government knows that this approach works, and we are eager to support partnerships with those who can get things done at the ground level. Helping Canadians who face barriers to employment gives hope for a brighter future to individuals, while also helping to strengthen and grow Canada’s middle class,” said the Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour.

Budget 2016 includes $339 million in new funding for the Canada Summer Jobs program over three years, beginning this summer.

This is the first new funding for the Canada Summer Jobs program since 2009.