Features Recruitment
Applications now open for 2022 Canada Summer Jobs program

Employers can now submit applications for the federal government’s Canada Summers Jobs (CSJ) 2022 program.

Ottawa said the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on young job seekers, with marginalized youth continuing to be among those most disproportionately impacted. It also pointed out that many employers are struggling to find the staff they need to help recover from the economic crisis caused by the pandemic.

The CSJ is a long-standing program designed to help youth (age 15 to 30) obtain their first summer work experience.

The 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., the government said.

Program will fund up to 100,000 jobs

This year, CSJ 2022 is targeting the creation of up to 100,000 full-time summer job opportunities for young people. This represents a 40 per cent increase from pre-pandemic targets. Not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers, and private sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees can apply for funding now until Jan. 25, 2022, to hire young Canadians next summer.

Full-time job placements will take place during the summer of 2022.

Every year, Employment and Social Development Canada establishes national priorities for CSJ to reflect Canada’s diverse communities and their evolving needs. This year’s national priorities ensure that young people who face barriers are given equitable opportunities to find meaningful work next summer.

The priorities focus on supporting employers that intend to hire youth who have not completed high school or are not currently enrolled in an education or training program, as well as Black, Indigenous and racialized young people, and youth with disabilities.

Small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that self-report as having leadership from groups that are under‑represented in the labour market will also be supported.

Youth were hard hit by pandemic-related job losses, and their unemployment rate rose significantly, reaching a record high of 31.4% in May 2020. In November 2021, youth employment (56.1 per cent) and unemployment rates (9.7 per cent) held onto their recovery to pre-pandemic levels. Under-represented youth, who traditionally face challenges in the labour market, continued to struggle to find work.

How to apply

Employers interested in applying for CSJ 2022 funding can submit their applications electronically via either the online fillable application or the Grants and Contributions Online Service. The online fillable application is the fastest way for employers to complete an application online without having to create an account.