February 27, 2023 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
Progress has been made in recent decades toward inclusivity in Canada, however, more needs to be done to help address discrimination in all aspects of our society - including in our job market. Black and Afro-descendant communities have made and continue to make countless contributions to Canada, both socially and economically. That's why the Government of Canada is working to build a safer, more equitable and more inclusive Canada where everyone has a fair and equal chance to reach their full potential.
Today, to mark the close of Black History Month, the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien, visited the RIWC Regina Immigrant Women Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan, to highlight the Government of Canada's investments that aim to remove barriers for Black youth.
These investments include funding of over $7 million for five Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) projects, providing close to 700 Black youth with access to the training and opportunities they need to succeed.
For example, the RIWC Regina Immigrant Women Centre has received more than $1.2 million in funding for their project called "Youth Employment and Skills Strategy to Advance Immigrant Youth". This project will assist 102 racialized youth facing barriers, leading them to permanent employment or to an educational program that will enhance their current and acquired skill sets to meet a future career objective.
In addition to the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy program, the Government of Canada supports Black youth and others through such programs as the Student Work Placement Program, Canada Summer Jobs and the Canada Service Corps.
These investments demonstrate the Government's ongoing commitment to help young Canadians, particularly those facing barriers to employment, while adapting to the demands of an evolving workforce.
