Office of Terry Sheehan

Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

News Release

More than 600 Canada Summer Jobs opportunities

available for young people in Sault and area

GrocersForGood (from left) MP Terry Sheehan, Allegra, and Chloe

Tracy at Agawa Crafts and Canadian Carver

Molly at Agawa Crafts and Canadian Carver

Hailey (left) and Faith at Agawa Crafts and Canadian Carver

(Aug. 9, 2022 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON) --Young people across Canada, particularly those facing barriers to employment, have been acutely affected by the loss of jobs caused by the pandemic. Recognizing that the energy and talent of young people is a powerful engine for our economic recovery, the government is working with employers across the country to help them find meaningful, high-quality jobs.

Today, Terry Sheehan, the Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien, announced that more than 600 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) opportunities are available for youth in Sault Ste. Marie and area.

More than 140,000 quality CSJ placements are now available across the country for young people between the ages of 15 and 30 years.

Today’s announcement builds on the government’s ongoing actions taken to support all Canadians, as highlighted in Budget 2022, which is about growing Canada's economy, creating good jobs, and building a Canada where nobody gets left behind. It is also in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

Quotes

“I am proud of the young people of Sault Ste. Marie and area, who have overcome many challenges over the past two years. I know it has not been easy, and many of them are eager to move forward with their lives. Thanks to the Canada Summer Jobs program, 607 youths in our community will receive valuable work experience this summer, allowing them to develop the foundational skills they will need to succeed in their chosen careers. I cannot think of a better, more worthwhile investment.” 

– Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour

“Since day one, even before I was elected, I made a commitment to amplify the diverse voices of youth. No matter the age, gender, or cultural background – I continue to be moved every time I meet with youth advocates. Canada Summer Jobs supports the incredible talent and leadership of youth who are already at the centre of change. There is no doubt that when given the right tools to succeed, youth create purposeful innovation.”

– Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien

Quick Facts

• Youth (ages 15-24 years) were hard-hit by pandemic-related job losses, and their unemployment rate rose significantly, reaching a record high of 28.8 per cent in May 2020. In March 2022, the youth employment rate (58.6 per cent) was essentially unchanged (+0.5 percentage points) from its pre-pandemic rate (February 2020), while the unemployment rate (9.8 per cent) sat just below (-0.8 percentage points) that from 25 months earlier.
• Under-represented youth (ages 15-24 years), who traditionally face challenges in the labour market, continued to struggle to find work. In March 2022:

• • Indigenous youth not living on a reserve had an employment rate of 52.1 per cent and an unemployment rate of 16.5 per cent.
  • Visible minority youth experienced an employment rate of 48.4 per cent, while their unemployment rate sat at 12.5 per cent;
  • Black youth had an employment rate of 44.3 per cent and their unemployment rate was 19.0 per cent.
• Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, young workers have shown the greatest likelihood of working reduced hours and losing their jobs out of any age group, with 50 per cent of Canadians under 30 experiencing one or both of those outcomes.
• The CSJ 2022 call for employer applications closed on Jan. 25, 2022. Employment and Social Development Canada received more than 48,000 applications, representing over 233,000 jobs requested. More than 39,000 projects have been approved for funding, representing more than 140,000 job opportunities.

• CSJ-funded jobs started as early as April 25, 2022. The last possible date to start a job is July 24, 2022. The latest end date for all CSJ jobs is Sept. 3, 2022.

Contact:

Sandra Paul

Office of MP Terry Sheehan

Riding of Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Office: 705-941-2900

Work Cell: 705-542-8463