Employers can now apply for funding to hire youth next summer under the Canada Summer Jobs 2025 program, with applications open from Nov. 19 to Dec. 19.
The federal program aims to support 70,000 summer jobs for young people across Canada, providing them with opportunities to develop skills and gain work experience. Eligible employers include not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers, and private-sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees.
For 2025, the program will prioritize employers planning to hire youth with disabilities, Black and other racialized youth, Indigenous youth, 2SLGBTQI+ youth, youth in rural and remote areas, and youth in official language minority communities. Employers offering opportunities in the housing construction sector or in sustainable jobs supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation will also receive priority.
“With many youth struggling to break into the job market, the Canada Summer Jobs program couldn’t be more important,” said the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth. “Not only does the program allow young people to earn money over the summer, it also offers youth entering the labour market their first taste of paid work, or a chance to gain real work experience in their chosen field of study, paving the way to a successful career.”
Not-for-profit employers can receive funding for up to 100 per cent of the provincial or territorial adult minimum hourly wage and all associated mandatory employment-related costs, such as Employment Insurance premiums and Canada Pension Plan contributions. Public- and private-sector employers are eligible for funding up to 50 per cent of the minimum hourly wage.
To encourage the hiring of youth with disabilities, employers may be eligible for additional funding to accommodate these individuals within the work environment.
Employers can submit applications electronically through the Grants and Contributions Online Services portal. Creating an account is a one-time process that allows organizations to apply for various funding opportunities with Employment and Social Development Canada.
Since 2020, the Canada Summer Jobs program has supported employers in creating more than 383,000 job opportunities for youth. In 2023, the program surpassed its target by creating 74,500 jobs. Results for 2024 are still being finalized.
According to a 2023 survey of program participants, 92 per cent of youth reported increased confidence in skills needed for future employment, and 89 per cent indicated they had developed a positive attitude about their future employment prospects.
The unemployment rate for 15- to 29-year-olds in October 2024 was 12.8 per cent. Rates tend to be higher for under-represented groups.
Employers will be notified of the status of their applications starting in April 2025. Canada Summer Jobs-funded positions will be posted on the Job Bank beginning in April and will continue throughout the summer.
How to apply
Employers interested in applying for CSJ 2025 funding are encouraged to submit their applications electronically on the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GOCS) portal. Creating a GCOS account is a one-time process that allows organizations to apply for various ESDC funding opportunities in a secure web environment.
For additional information on how to fill out an application, eligibility requirements and assessment criteria, organizations can refer to the CSJ 2025 applicant guide.
Service Canada will inform organizations of the status of their application starting in April 2025, and continuing into the summer months. CSJ-funded positions will automatically be posted on the Job Bank website and mobile app to help employers fill positions with qualified young people looking for work in their communities. Job Bank is the primary source of information for youth on the availability of CSJ-funded positions.