FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YORKTON, SK - Cathay Wagantall, Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville, wishes to advise constituents that the application period is finally open for employers and organizations hoping to access federal financial assistance under the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program.  Applications opened on Jan. 30, 2020 which is much later than in previous years and 45 days later than in 2019. 

“While I am grateful that the application period has finally opened, I’m fearful for those employers who may have already lost out on qualified candidates. Our youth simply can’t wait to secure a summer job,” said MP Wagantall.  “Based on the number of calls received by my office from those who rely on CSJ to hire summer help, there are a lot of employers who are very concerned as well.”

As in previous years, the ruling government asks all Members of Parliament for a list of priorities that should be considered when establishing eligibility criteria.  A priority on Vancouver Island will likely be very different from a priority in Yorkton-Melville, so this practice does make sense.  This year however, the Liberal government changed the rules, and provided MPs with a pre-approved list, resulting in a lot of push-back by MPs, including MP Wagantall.

“When CSJ asked for priorities for Yorkton-Melville, jobs that provide services to seniors wasn’t even on the pre-approved list despite the fact that it has always been there, as it should be,” said MP Wagantall.  “I went back and forth with the program representatives many times and even tried to manually include ‘seniors’ on the form.”  In fact, the Liberal government has removed two national priorities this year: jobs that give experience in the skilled trades and jobs that provide services to seniors, and added jobs that protect the environment and jobs that support persons with disabilities.

“While ‘jobs that provide services to seniors’ didn’t make the national priority list, I am very pleased to see that those jobs are among the priorities at the local level,” said MP Wagantall. “We expect the Liberals to equally consider Canadians of all backgrounds and beliefs when they apply.”

Canada Summer Jobs provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to create summer job opportunities for young people aged 15 to 30 years.

Service Canada will inform applicants of their acceptance or rejection starting in May.  All eligibility and funding decisions will be confirmed in writing (i.e. by email or by mail).  Recipients must not hire the student before receiving the approval by Service Canada and the student cannot start the employment before the start date approved by Service Canada.

“Young people across Canada look forward to this valuable work experience every year.  I invite you to apply and let my office know that you have submitted an application.”

For further information and to apply, please visit Canada.ca/Canada-summer-jobs or a Service Canada Centre.

CSJ applications from employers are being accepted from Jan. 30 until Feb. 24, 2020. 

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For more information, contact:

Office of Cathay Wagantall, MP
(613) 992-4395