The federal government has announced a $200 million investment in new Canada Service Corps (CSC) projects, which will provide volunteer service opportunities for up to 20,000 youth across Canada over the next three years.
The funding, revealed by Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien on Thursday, will support 85 projects aimed at helping young Canadians aged 12 to 30 build skills and gain experience while contributing to their communities. The projects will focus on themes such as reconciliation, inclusivity, environmental preservation, civic engagement, and resilience.
Ien said the initiative would offer meaningful benefits to participants and communities alike. “By teaming up with amazing organizations across the country, we’re creating more opportunities for young people to grow their skills, follow their passions, and make a real impact in their communities—all while setting themselves up for future career success,” Ien said.
The announcement follows a robust response to CSC’s 2023 call for proposals, which sought to expand the program’s reach. The application process was designed to reduce barriers for smaller and grassroots organizations, ensuring broader geographic and demographic representation. According to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the demand for funding underscores a strong desire among Canadian youth to engage in community service and gain workplace-relevant experience.
Since its inception in 2018, CSC has facilitated more than 52,000 volunteer opportunities through over 200 projects. The program has included service placements and micro-grants that enable youth to lead their own community initiatives.
Further details on the projects and organizations receiving funding will be released after agreements are finalized, according to ESDC.
For youth interested in applying for CSC opportunities, information is available on the federal government’s website at https://www.canada.ca/en/services/youth/canada-service-corps.html. New projects will be added as they are launched.
