THUNDER BAY – POLITICS – Now more than ever, summer jobs matter for young people. And this is especially true here in Ontario as new reports show that more than 40 per cent of post-secondary students were using a free tuition program recently cancelled by the Ford government.
Coming from low-income families, many the first in their family to attend post-secondary schools, these students from low-income families have real concerns about their ability to start or finish school, to get the skills they need and enter our workforce. And employers are worried because now more than ever, they need more people and strong skills. A strong economy depends on Canada’s youth having the skills, knowledge and experience they need to succeed.
We’re hearing this news as our government’s improved and expanded Canada Summer Jobs application finishes up for employers. Soon we’ll begin seeing help wanted ads for more than 70,000 summer jobs across the country, including hundreds right here in Thunder Bay-Superior North. Youth aged 15-30 will get those important work skills, employers will gain from the enthusiasm, energy and ideas of our youth and our economy will continue to grow, despite the hurtful cuts of the provincial government. And to ensure everyone can benefit, this year any young person can apply, even if not currently enrolled in studies.
Summer jobs matter because, for many young Canadians, they represent that very first chance to work full time and earn money. These early jobs offer an opportunity to learn what it means to be part of a team, to have responsibilities and earn money of your own. And for many youth, a summer job helps to define career interests, hone skills and discover new work environments that shape career paths.
As the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, I am committed to making sure we are giving everyone a fair chance at success. The incredibly successful Canada Summer Jobs program is a part of that commitment. Now, more than ever, these summer jobs matter.
Patty Hajdu
Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North and Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
