The Government of Canada is launching the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program this year, creating 70,000 job opportunities for young people. This initiative is designed to help youth gain valuable skills, hands-on experience, and career exploration, while also providing financial support for education and living expenses.
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien, confirmed that these positions will be open to individuals aged 15 to 30. The program, which builds on the success of last year’s CSJ initiative—where 71,200 jobs were created, exceeding the original goal of 70,000—will launch on April 21, 2025. Job seekers can explore available opportunities through the Job Bank website and mobile app.
The program offers roles in various sectors, including recreation, food services, marketing, tourism, housing construction, and environmental protection. These positions are designed to align with the interests of participants and address labor shortages in key industries.
A major focus of the CSJ program is to support youth facing employment barriers, particularly Indigenous youth, racialized youth, youth with disabilities, and those in rural or remote communities. This approach aims to create a more inclusive workforce and ensure equal opportunities for all young people.
Long-Term Benefits for Youth Employment
The Canada Summer Jobs program is part of the broader Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), which helps ease the transition of young people into the workforce. Independent audits show that CSJ participants enjoy better long-term earnings than their peers who do not participate in the program. A 2024 survey revealed that 92% of respondents gained confidence in key employment skills, and 85% expressed optimism about their future career prospects.
Government Commitment to Youth Employment
In the 2024 federal budget, the Government of Canada allocated $351.2 million to the YESS program for 2025-26, including $200.5 million specifically for the CSJ initiative, with a focus on job creation in critical sectors like housing construction. An additional $150.7 million will fund job placements and employment services under the broader YESS program.
Minister Ien emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “A summer job is more than just a paycheck—it’s an opportunity for young people to gain experience, develop new skills, and explore career paths. Through Canada Summer Jobs, youth can grow, contribute to their communities, and build a strong foundation for their future.”
