Feds make changes to Canada Summer Jobs program to help youths during pandemic

By John Chunn

Law360 Canada (April 8, 2020, 2:45 PM EDT) -- On April 8, the federal government announced temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program that will help employers hire summer staff and provide young Canadians access to the jobs they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. The government says this program will help create up to 70,000 jobs for youth between 15 and 30 years of age.

According to the press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, the temporary changes to the program for this year include:
  • An increase to the wage subsidy, so that private and public sector employers can also receive up to 100 per cent of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage for each employee;
  • An extension to the end date for employment to Feb. 28, 2021;
  • Allowing employers to adapt their projects and job activities to support essential services; and
  • Allowing employers to hire staff on a part-time basis

The PMO’s release says these changes build on the government’s action taken for young Canadians during this crisis. This includes a six-month, interest-free moratorium on Canada Student Loans, and a 75 per cent wage subsidy for businesses that will help more employers keep part-time employees and workers over the coming months.

“Small businesses and community organizations are the backbone of our economy, and a critical lifeline for communities across this country. They are facing economic hardship and unprecedented service demands during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that is why we are taking action now to get them the financial help they need to keep their doors open and support their communities,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“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,” said Carla Qualtrough, minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion.