For many young Canadians, securing a summer job is an essential stepping stone toward future success. It provides opportunities to build confidence, develop new skills, and explore career interests, all while earning money for education and living expenses. Recognizing the importance of these opportunities, the Government of Canada is once again supporting youth employment through the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program.
The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced that 70,000 CSJ positions will be available this summer for young people aged 15 to 30. This follows the success of the previous year, which saw the program exceed its target, creating 71,200 jobs.
Credit: Christian Diotte, House of Commons Photo Services
© HOC-CDC, 2020
“A summer job is more than just a paycheque—it’s a chance for young people to gain experience, develop new skills, and explore career paths that interest them. Through Canada Summer Jobs, there are thousands of opportunities for youth to grow, contribute to their communities and build a strong foundation for their future,” said Minister Ien.
Young job seekers will have access to these job opportunities starting April 21 through the Job Bank website and mobile app. These roles span various sectors, including recreation, food services, marketing, tourism, housing construction, and environmental protection. Youth will be able to apply for positions that align with their interests and skill sets. As new opportunities are posted regularly, young people are encouraged to stay engaged and check the site for updates throughout the summer.
In addition to providing opportunities in various fields, CSJ prioritizes projects that support youth who face barriers to employment. This includes youth with disabilities, Indigenous youth, Black and racialized youth, 2SLGBTQI+ youth, and youth in rural, remote, or official language minority communities. By ensuring that all youth have equitable access to these opportunities, the program aims to equip young Canadians with the skills and experience they need to succeed in the workforce.
CSJ is part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), a Government of Canada initiative designed to help youth gain the skills, education, and work experience necessary for a successful career transition. This summer, CSJ-funded jobs will range from 6 to 16 weeks, with full-time positions of 30 to 40 hours per week.
The Government’s commitment to youth employment goes beyond summer jobs. In the 2024 federal budget, the Government of Canada announced a $351.2 million investment in YESS for the 2025–26 fiscal year. This includes $200.5 million for CSJ to support youth job opportunities in sectors facing critical labor shortages, such as housing construction.
Quick Facts:
- The Government of Canada is investing $351.2 million in 2025–26 for youth employment programs, with $200.5 million allocated specifically for CSJ.
- Since 2020, CSJ has helped create over 454,000 jobs for youth across Canada.
- An independent audit by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada found that youth who participate in CSJ have better long-term earnings than those who do not.
- According to a 2024 survey, 92% of CSJ participants reported increased confidence in their skills, and 85% felt optimistic about their future job prospects.
With these significant investments, the Government of Canada continues to support the growth and development of youth, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities needed to achieve their career goals.
