The Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program, which has created more than 383,000 positions for youth since 2020, is providing significant benefits for young workers, according to a report by the Auditor General of Canada released Monday. The report found that youth who participated in the program experienced better long-term earnings compared to those who did not, while also highlighting areas for improvement.
The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, said the findings reaffirm the program’s value to young Canadians.
“A summer job can be a stepping stone to a successful career,” she said in a statement. “Summer jobs allow young people to develop new skills, build their confidence, and explore their career interests.”
The CSJ program surpassed its target of 70,000 job placements in 2023, and preliminary data suggests it is on track to meet or exceed the same target in 2024, the minister said. However, the Auditor General’s report also pointed to opportunities for improvement, particularly in supporting employers seeking to hire youth facing barriers to employment and enhancing collaboration with provincial and territorial partners.
“The report also provides recommendations on how to better support employers who are seeking to hire youth who face barriers to employment,” Ien said, adding that work is already underway to implement changes before the 2025 hiring season.
The report underscored the importance of ensuring the program evolves to meet the changing needs of youth and employers, a priority Ien said her department is committed to addressing. “Young people contribute vital skills and fresh ideas to the workforce, which helps strengthen our economy,” she said.
The Canada Summer Jobs program aims to provide meaningful work experiences for youth while supporting employers in various sectors. Since its inception, it has been credited with helping young people earn money for expenses, save for education, and gain practical workplace skills.