Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown is encouraging small businesses and community groups to take advantage of funding available to employers willing to hire students this summer.
 
Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, recently announced the launch of Canada Summer Jobs 2010, which supports work experiences for students and helps provide important community services.
 
"In light of recent economic events, it is more important than ever that youth are given the opportunity to develop the skills and experience they need to fully participate and succeed in today's job market," said Minister Finley. "Canada Summer Jobs is one of many initiatives our government offers to help students."
 
Funding will be offered to not-for-profit, public-sector and small private-sector employers to create high-quality summer job opportunities for young people 15 to 30 years old who are full-time students and intend to return to school in the next school year.
 
“Canada Summer Jobs is a win-win program for our young people, employers and communities,” said MP Brown. “Students will gain valuable employment experience while assisting local organizations in providing their services for residents." 
 
The budget for Canada Summer Jobs in 2010 - $97.5 million plus an additional $10 million from Canada's Economic Action Plan - will be allocated across the 308 federal constituencies.
 
In 2009, the Government of Canada concluded agreements with approximately 22,000 organizations to support the creation of over 37,500 summer jobs for students.
 
Applications will be available on Feb 1, 2010, and must be submitted by Feb 26, 2010. Interested employers can apply online at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2010 or at the Newmarket Canada Service Centre in the Tannery Mall.
 
In order to learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit: www.actionplan.gc.ca.