The federal government has announced important details regarding the 2025 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) Program, including an earlier deadline than in past years. Members of the Huron Chamber of Commerce are encouraged to review these updates to ensure they’re prepared for the new application window.
Application Timeline
The Call for Applications for the 2025 CSJ Program opens the week of November 18, 2024, and closes on December 19, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. (PST). Employers are urged to apply early, as the application period will conclude before the start of the new year.
Check the Canada Summer Jobs website for more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html
Program Overview
The CSJ Program, part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), is designed to support young Canadians aged 15 to 30 in gaining valuable work experience, particularly for those facing unique barriers to employment. The 2025 program aims to fund 70,000 quality job placements for youth across the country.
Wage Subsidies
- Not-for-Profit Employers: Eligible for a wage subsidy covering up to 100% of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage.
- Public and Private Sector Employers: Eligible for a wage subsidy covering up to 50% of the minimum hourly wage.
Employers interested in applying can do so by logging into their existing Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) account once the application period begins.
Key Criteria for Quality Job Placements
The government emphasizes creating quality placements that provide safe, inclusive, and healthy work environments free from harassment and discrimination. Employers are encouraged to strengthen their applications by demonstrating how their job placements will meet CSJ standards, including:
- Youth Investment: Offering wages above the minimum or retaining youth beyond the CSJ agreement period.
- Supervision and Mentoring: Providing structured support and professional development.
- Skills Development: Creating opportunities for youth to gain skills relevant to long-term employment.
- Health and Safety: Following all provincial and local health guidelines.
- Inclusive Work Environment: Implementing non-discriminatory hiring practices and maintaining a work environment free from harassment.
Important Eligibility and Program Details
Eligible job placements must:
- Take place between April 22 and August 31, 2024.
- Run for a minimum of 6 weeks and up to 16 weeks.
To qualify, youth participants must:
- Be 15 to 30 years old at the start of the employment period.
- Be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons under refugee protection.
- Possess a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Additional Resources
For a comprehensive guide to the application process and additional eligibility details, please refer to the Canada Summer Jobs Applicant Guide.
These updates provide Chamber members with an opportunity to support local youth employment while fulfilling program objectives. Employers are encouraged to review these changes closely and prepare their applications early.