A strong economy is an inclusive economy, where everybody has a real and fair chance to succeed. Indigenous people represent the youngest and fastest-growing segment of Canada’s population, yet they continue to be under-represented in the workforce.

“By working closely with Indigenous people to create more job and training opportunities, our Government is demonstrating the importance of building strong communities like ours in Quebec and across the country.”
– The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Honoré-Mercier

“Breaking down barriers to employment for Indigenous people is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensuring that everyone has a real and fair chance at success. Working closely with Indigenous people to help them get the skills and training they need to find good jobs will grow the economy, strengthen the middle class and help those working hard to join it.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

“These projects highlight the richness of an Indigenous workforce, which actively contributes to society and the world of work. The financial support from the Government of Canada contributes to the creation of social and economic prosperity for the Indigenous community of Val-d’Or and helps anchor reconciliation in authentic spaces for dialogue and sharing between peoples.”
– Oscar Kistabish, President, Centre d'amitié autochtone de Val d'Or

• The SPF receives $50 million in funding per year and has leveraged approximately $250 million (cash and in-kind) from partnerships since its inception in 2010.

• On June 3, 2019, the YESS was modernized to deliver a wider range of programs to help youth overcome barriers to employment and gain the skills, abilities and work experience needed to get a strong start in their careers. Based on recommendations made by the Expert Panel on Youth Employment, the modernized strategy offers more flexible services, broadened eligibility and enhanced supports for youth facing barriers to employment. 

• In Budget 2018, the Government committed a historic $2 billion investment over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to create the new ISET Program. It will improve support for Indigenous partners through increased funding flexibility and longer-term agreements. These enhancements reflect the Government’s commitment to advancing reconciliation and fostering a better future for Indigenous people and all Canadians.

• The previous streams of the Youth Employment Strategy—Skills Link, Career Focus and Summer Work Experience—have been integrated to create a more holistic approach to funding and service delivery.

• In the last two years, the Government of Canada has made new commitments of more than $500 million to modernize the horizontal YESS, so that it can better help all young Canadians successfully transition to work. The modernized YESS supports the objectives of Canada’s Youth Policy, announced by the Prime Minister (Minister of Youth) in May 2019.

• The Governments of Canada and Quebec recently signed an Agreement to support the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. Through this agreement, Quebec will receive approximately $135 million over five years, starting in April 2020, to provide skills training and employment services to youth in the province and break down barriers to help youth gain the experience and skills they need to pursue the careers of their choice.

Associated links

• Skills and Partnership Fund
• Youth Employment and Skills Strategy
• Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program
• News Release: Governments of Canada and Quebec taking steps to help the next generation of middle-class workers in Quebec

For media enquiries, please contact:

Véronique Simard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
veronique.simard@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
819-654-5611

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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