MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –
Source: Government of Canada – in French 1
Press release
September 27, 2024 Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
Young Canadians are one of this country’s greatest strengths and sources of potential, which is why the Government of Canada supports them every step of the way on their path to a prosperous future. Every young person deserves a good job, but we know that many still face barriers to employment. Creating opportunities for young people to gain the skills and experience they need to have a fair chance at financial success is essential to strengthening our economy, building a more inclusive country, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Today, on behalf of Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie Terry Sheehan announced more than $1.07 million in funding over four years to the Sault Community Career Centre for its Transition to Independence Program (TIP). This funding is provided through Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) program.
TIP is a flexible, personalized program that supports youth in Sault Ste. Marie. Over the next four years, TIP funding through the YESC will support 66 youth aged 15 to 30 who face barriers to employment. This includes youth who are not in education, training or employment, those experiencing poverty or homelessness, immigrants and refugees, and those experiencing discrimination. By providing a range of activities, training and work experiences, TIP will help participants overcome socio-economic challenges and transition into employment or education.
In total, the YES program is expected to fund more than 200 new projects worth approximately $370 million by 2028 as part of the government’s plan to create 90,000 youth employment opportunities per year between 2024 and 2026. These projects will provide flexible employment services and holistic supports tailored to each participant to help young people develop transferable skills that will have a positive and lasting impact on their careers. This approach has already proven successful, with more than 80% of participants between June 2019 and December 2022 securing employment or returning to school after completing the YES program.
The Government of Canada recognizes the critical role governments can play in ensuring young people succeed. That is why, as announced in Budget 2024, the government is helping to restore fairness for every generation by facilitating access to post-secondary education, investing in the skills of the future, and creating opportunities for young Canadians to get good jobs.
Quotes
“Young people want to succeed – for themselves, their families and their communities. The federal government is making sure that happens by helping them access the skills and experience they need to successfully transition to the workforce. The Sault Community Career Centre project is a great example of how, with federal support, community organizations can create opportunities for all young people, particularly youth facing barriers and youth with disabilities, to find good jobs and build rewarding careers.”
– Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien
“I am proud that our government recognizes the tremendous work that the Sault Community Career Centre does. Providing enhanced career development opportunities and integrated services, including mental health, food security and personal resources, helps encourage and support future community leaders. Helping young people who face barriers find employment in our community and develop skills to enter the workforce is how we ensure we remain a thriving and prosperous city.”
– Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan
“The Transition to Independence Program is a vital initiative that provides youth in Sault Ste. Marie with the skills and supports they need to overcome barriers and achieve long-term success. This generous funding from the Government of Canada allows us to provide a tailored approach to each participant, helping them reach their full potential. By providing employment training, wraparound services and resources for their personal development, we are investing not only in their future, but also in the future of our community.”
– Adam Pinder, Executive Director, Sault Community Career Centre
Quick Facts
ESDC’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) program was designed to give youth equal opportunities to find meaningful employment. New to this funding cycle is the Youth with Disabilities Stream, which focuses on supporting projects targeting youth with disabilities. More than 30% of funded projects are expected to address the unique employment challenges faced by youth with disabilities, up from the initial target of 20%.
Other priority groups include Indigenous youth, 2SLGBTQI youth, Black and racialized youth, and youth from official language minority communities.
ESDC’s YES program is part of the Government of Canada’s broader Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, a horizontal initiative sponsored by 12 federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations. Together, these 12 partners deliver funding programs to help young Canadians (aged 15 to 30) gain the skills and experience they need to successfully transition to the job market.
To help young Canadians pursue and achieve their dreams, the Government is investing to create more job opportunities and ensure that the work of the next generation pays off. To create 90,000 jobs and employment supports for youth per year, Budget 2024 proposes to provide $351.2 million for the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy in the 2025–26 fiscal year. These investments in youth employment opportunities include:
$150.7 million from federal partners for the SEJC program to provide youth-friendly internships and employment supports; $200.5 million for ESDC’s Canada Summer Jobs program to provide well-paid summer jobs, including jobs in sectors with significant labour shortages, such as residential construction.
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Contact persons
For media inquiries, please contact:
Carolyn SvonkinDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth873-355-0996Carolyn.svonkin@fegc-wage.gc.caMedia Relations OfficeEmployment and Social Development Canada819-994-5559media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.caFollow us on X (Twitter)
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.