The federal government will create up to 6,000 additional Canada Summer Jobs opportunities this summer, bringing the total to 76,000 positions across the country as employers seek workers during the busy season.
Employment Minister Patty Hajdu announced the expansion Friday during a visit to Wataynikaneyap Power’s head office on Fort William First Nation in Thunder Bay, Ont. The additional positions come from a $25 million reallocation within Employment and Social Development Canada.
The Canada Summer Jobs program was already on track to create 70,000 positions for youth aged 15 to 30 this summer. The extra funding will help small businesses and non-profit organizations hire students for positions ranging from recreation and food service to housing construction and environmental protection.
Hiring period runs until July
Young job seekers can find opportunities through the Job Bank website and mobile app until July 21. Available positions span multiple sectors, including high-demand fields like housing construction and environmental protection.
Hajdu made the announcement at Wataynikaneyap Power, which leads a transmission project connecting 17 remote First Nations communities currently powered by diesel. The organization has hired an electrical engineering technologist through the summer jobs program.
“We’ve added up to 6,000 more summer jobs this year – bringing the total to 76,000 across the country,” Hajdu said. “The Canada Summer Jobs program helps young people get meaningful, paid work experience that builds skills, confidence, and connections.”
The program also supports employers by providing staff during busy summer months, Hajdu said.
Strong track record for youth employment
Since 2019, Canada Summer Jobs has funded more than 460,000 positions for youth. Last year, the program exceeded its target by creating 71,200 jobs instead of the planned 70,000.
Secretary of State for Children and Youth Anna Gainey said the program builds confidence and self-esteem alongside work experience.
“A good summer job not only provides valuable work experience, but also helps to build confidence and self-esteem,” Gainey said. “I invite all young Canadians between the ages of 15 and 30 to go to Job Bank and look for Canada Summer Jobs opportunities in their community.”
Indigenous partnership highlights workforce development
Wataynikaneyap Power represents a partnership of 24 First Nations working toward 100% ownership within 25 years, currently supported by partner Fortis Inc. The organization has hired five students through the summer jobs program since 2022.
“There is a huge need to recruit and retain professionals and create a stronger workforce in many sectors,” said Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power. “We appreciate the Canada Summer Jobs program funding that has assisted Wataynikaneyap Power in hiring five students since 2022.”
The company aims to create opportunities while following its guiding principles, Kenequanash said.
Program shows measurable benefits
An independent audit by the Office of the Auditor General found that youth who participate in Canada Summer Jobs earn more over the long term compared to non-participants.
A 2024 survey of program participants showed 92% gained confidence in skills needed for future employment, while 85% reported feeling optimistic about their job prospects.
The program operates under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, part of the government’s broader approach to help young people transition into the workforce.
Budget 2024 committed $351.2 million to support 90,000 youth work experiences and employment opportunities in 2025-26, including $200.5 million specifically for Canada Summer Jobs and $150.7 million for other youth employment programs.
For more information, see https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2025/06/backgrounder-canada-summer-jobs-2025.html
