The Government of Canada is creating generational fairness by creating opportunities for young Canadians to get the skills they need for well-paying jobs. Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) supports this strategy by helping young people to earn money over the summer, while gaining skills and experience.
Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, highlighted the impact of the CSJ program in creating over 70,000 job opportunities for youth across Canada. This initiative is part of the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to support young Canadians, making life more affordable and providing them with the skills and experience needed to build a better future.
The CSJ program prioritizes projects that support youth who face barriers to employment. This includes youth with disabilities, Indigenous youth, as well as Black and other racialized youth. By providing all young people with equitable opportunities to develop their skills, Canada Summer Jobs can help them to succeed in the job market.
This year's budget includes a proposed $200.5 million investment for 2025-26 to continue the Canada Summer Jobs program, further demonstrating the commitment to creating opportunities for young Canadians. These job opportunities have enabled youth to gain valuable work experience, develop essential skills and earn money over the summer in various sectors, including those facing critical labor shortages such as housing construction.
Canada's success depends on the success of its youngest generations. Gen Z is a diverse group, from those who are starting to think about their future career years from now, to those who are starting their first full-time job. They have a lifetime of opportunity ahead of them-and we are empowering them to aim high.
Lifting up Gen Z by ensuring they have good opportunities to launch their career will be critical to Canada's economic growth potential in the years to come. As baby boomers are increasingly reaching retirement age, our younger workforce must be equipped with opportunities to build their skills and gain meaningful work experience. Gen Z needs the confidence of knowing they will find a good job that will help them get ahead.
Through initiatives like Canada Summer Jobs, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting youth at every stage of their journey toward a bright and prosperous future. Our focus remains on making life more affordable and providing the opportunities young Canadians need to thrive. Together, we are building a fairer generation and a stronger Canada.
