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Youth employment program to create 700 new positions in agriculture

Applications are being accepted on a continuous basis beginning immediately.

May 26, 2020  By Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada


Source: AAFC (via Twitter)

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada today announced an investment of up to $9.2 million to enhance the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) and fund up to 700 new positions for youth in the agriculture industry. 

This additional funding will help the agriculture industry attract Canadian youth, ages 15 to 30, to their organizations to assist with labour shortages brought on by the pandemic. This program aims to provide youth, and particularly youth facing barriers to employment, with job experience in agriculture that will provide career-related work experience.

The YESP will provide agriculture employers up to 50 per cent of the cost of hiring a Canadian youth up to $14,000. Indigenous applicants and those applicants hiring a youth facing barriers are eligible for funding of up to 80 per cent of their costs.

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Eligible applicants include producers, agri-businesses, industry associations, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and research facilities. Employers may apply for this funding retroactive to April 1, 2020, with projects to be completed by March 31, 2021.

Application forms are available through the Youth Employment and Skills Program, or to get more information, please contact aafc.yesp-pecj.aac@canada.ca, or call: 1-866-452-5558.

“During this unprecedented time, our food producers are working hard to feed Canada, while adjusting their businesses to new challenges, such as a shortage of workers. This program will help agricultural and agri-food businesses meet their labour needs with support for up to 700 workers, while allowing more young people in Canada to explore the limitless potential this industry has to offer,” says Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“Our government recognizes the importance of investing in our youth, and keeping them connected to the labour market in these extraordinary times. Programs like the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, that help to break down barriers to employment and give young Canadians the support they need to launch meaningful careers in vital sectors like such as agriculture, are paramount to ensuring a strong economic recovery,” says Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion

Applications are being accepted (AAFC Youth Employment and Skills Program) on a continuous basis beginning immediately.


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