Thursday April 9, 2020 ~ NATIONAL
by Mary Brooke ~ West Shore Voice News
The Canada Summer Jobs Program that usually provides a subsidy of 50% to private sector employers who hire young adults has been boosted to provide 100% wage coverage, it was announced yesterday April 8 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
This program expansion is for this year only for private sector businesses, it was stated in a news release from the Prime Minister’s office.
Non-profit organizations already get 100% salary coverage for students hired under the Canada Summer Jobs Program.
So far, there has been no change in the employer application deadline was has now passed (February 28, 2020). But since that time, economic conditions have changed dramatically due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and there may now be circumstances where a business deemed as providing an ‘essential service’ might still be able to apply for the 100% employment program through their local Member of Parliament.
In BC where the provincial government has already taken the stance of topping up what they call ‘gaps’ in the federal rollout of COVID-19 supports, Finance Minister Carole James replied to West Shore Voice News today in a news teleconference that that she might consider looking at a BC summer jobs grant program as a way to help fill that missed federal opportunity.
Trudeau’s statement yesterday included that up to 70,000 job for youth ages 15 to 30 could be supported by the federal program: “Right now, young people are facing serious challenges finding work. To build the foundations of strong communities, we need a strong workforce that includes good job opportunities for youth. That is why the government is working to help employers adapt to the realities of COVID-19, and supporting young Canadians as they begin to look for summer employment.”
While not all students will feel it is safe to work in certain jobs during an infectious disease pandemic (and the $2,000 per month CERB might — in some cases — provide more money), new and revised job opportunities might emerge especially where work can be done remotely by phone or Internet and offer opportunities for continuing to develop a career.
The federal statement on this program adjustment claims that “Canada’s small businesses increasingly depend on the employment of young Canadians”. With that in mind, the government claims that the changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program “will help small businesses hire and keep the workers they need so they can continue to deliver essential services”.
The temporary changes to the program for this year include:
- an increase to the wage subsidy, so that both private and public sector employers can also receive up to 100% of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage for each employee (public sector could already receive 100%);
- an extension to the end date for employment to February 28, 2021;
- allowing employers to adapt their projects and job activities to support essential services;
- allowing employers to hire staff on a part-time basis.
“These changes will help youth stay connected to the labour market, save money for their future, and find quality jobs in safe, inclusive, and healthy work environments,” it was stated in yesterday’s release.
The government has also provided a six-month, interest-free moratorium on Canada Student Loans, and a 75% wage subsidy for businesses that will help more employers keep part-time employees and workers over the coming months.
“Despite these important steps, there is still more to do for students and young Canadians. The Government of Canada will continue to look for ways to support all Canadians, including students and young people, as we weather this pandemic together.”
The Canada Summer Jobs program provides opportunities for youth to develop and improve their skills within the not-for-profit, small business, and public sectors, and supports the delivery of key community services.
“By adapting the program this year, the Government of Canada is making sure that we have the resources needed to support Canadian workers, businesses, and communities dealing with the social and economic impacts of COVID-19.”
“In these extraordinary times, we realize the impacts small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and public sector employers have on our economy and our communities. Our role is to support them. This is why the Government of Canada has made changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program, so that we can help employers help their communities through good quality, safe job placements for youth,” says Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion.
Quick Facts
- The changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program complement the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, which committed $107 billion in support to Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of COVID-19.
- The Canada Summer Jobs call for applications for the 2020 season closed on February 28, 2020. In response to the economic impacts created by the COVID-19 situation, we will work with Members of Parliament to identify organizations that provide essential services in the community and could provide youth jobs but did not apply for the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2020.
- The Government of Canada has earmarked $263 million in funding for the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2020. This funding will help create up to 70,000 jobs for youth between 15 and 30 years of age, and we will be working with employers to explore work options that reflect the latest public health advice.
- Job placements could begin as early as May 11, 2020, and end as late as February 28, 2021.
- Youth will be able to search for jobs available in their communities through the Job Bank website and app.
- In previous years, private and public sector employers were only eligible to receive a wage subsidy of up to 50 per cent of the provincial or territorial minimum wage. The increase to the wage subsidy for private and public sector employers will be for this year only.