The Canadian government is providing up to $21.4 million to cover about 2,000 youth jobs in agriculture, the federal government says in a news release on May 5. The funding is being provided through the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP).
“By doubling our youth jobs program, we are providing thousands of young people with rewarding experiences that could lead to a career in agriculture,” Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal minister of agriculture and agri-food, says in the release. “In a time of labour shortages, this enhancement will also allow many employers to fill vacant positions.”
YESP’s goal is to support agri-food employers and provide young Canadians, between the ages of 15 and 30, with job experience in agriculture which could lead to a career working in the sector, the release notes. Last year the government invested $9.1 million in YESP, funding nearly 1,000 jobs:
- The Canadian government is investing 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, the government says in a news release on May 26. The funds are meant to help ensure the resilience of the food supply chain and to provide support to keep the agriculture sector strong.
- “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,” Marie-Claude Bibeau, minister of agriculture and agri-food, says in the release.
- YESP will provide agriculture employers with up to 50 per cent of the cost of hiring a Canadian youth, between the ages of 15 to 30, up to a maximum of $14,000, the release says. Indigenous applicants and those hiring a youth facing barriers are eligible for funding of up to 80 per cent.
- 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, the release says
Eligible applicants include producers, agri-businesses, industry associations, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and research facilities, the release says. Funding can cover jobs between April 15, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Applications are available online.
