Careers and Employment Journal

OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 01/12/10 -- The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced the launch of Canada Summer Jobs 2010, which supports work experiences for students and helps provide important community services.

"In light of recent economic events, it is more important than ever that youth are given the opportunity to develop the skills and experience they need to fully participate and succeed in today's job market," said Minister Finley. "Canada Summer Jobs is one of many initiatives our government offers to help students."

Funding will be offered to not-for-profit, public-sector and small private-sector employers to create high-quality summer job opportunities for young people 15 to 30 years old who are full-time students and intend to return to school in the next school year.

"Canada Summer Jobs plays a key role in meeting the needs of students, while supporting organizations that provide important services to our communities," said Minister Finley. "That is why, through Canada's Economic Action Plan, our government increased fundingby $10 million in 2009 and is again providing an additional $10 million in 2010 for Canada Summer Jobs, to help create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. Funding for Canada Summer Jobs largely supports work for students in not-for-profit organizations."

In 2009, the Government of Canada concluded agreements with approximately 22,000 organizations to support the creation of over 37,500 summer jobs for students.

The budget for Canada Summer Jobs in 2010-$97.5 million plus an additional $10 million from Canada's Economic Action Plan-will be allocated across the 308 federal constituencies. Members of Parliament will be invited to provide input into determining specific priorities for their communities as well as validating the list of projects recommended for funding.

Applications will be available on February 1, 2010, and must be submitted by February 26, 2010. Interested employers can apply online at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2010, or at their local Service Canada Centre.

To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit the following Web site: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.