February 27, 2025 Winnipeg, Manitoba Employment and Social Development Canada
Canada's youth are motivated and eager to join the workforce. Yet, many continue to encounter barriers to employment that hinder their financial success and personal growth. That is why the Government of Canada creates job and training opportunities for youth through its comprehensive array of youth programming, including through the Youth and Employment Skills Strategy (YESS).
Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth alongside the Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, and Kevin Lamoureux, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North announced more than $23 million in investment for the YESS Program. This funding will support more than 35 new projects, transforming the lives of 1,600 youth facing barriers to employment by helping them find and keep good jobs.
The Minister made the announcement at NorWest Co-op Community Health Centre Inc. (NorWest) in Winnipeg, one of four organizations in the city with YESS projects underway. Together, NorWest, the Elmwood Community Resource Centre, the Momentum Centre Inc., and Pluri-elles (Manitoba) Inc., are providing opportunities for 315 youth facing barriers in Winnipeg, equipping them with the skills and experience needed for future success in the job market. Additional projects in Winnipeg are expected to begin later this year.
The YESS Program provides funding to organizations to deliver a range of activities that help young people (aged 15-30) overcome barriers to employment. Projects provide flexible employment services and holistic supports tailored to each individual so they can gain transferable skills that will have a lasting positive impact on their careers. Funded activities can include mentoring, coaching, training, wraparound services (such as dependant care support and mental health counselling) and paid work placements in a range of sectors, all aimed at setting each participant up for success.
