Canadian youth are one of the country’s greatest strengths and sources of potential, and the Government of Canada is supporting young people at every stage of their journey toward a prosperous future.

"Youth want to succeed—not just for themselves, but for their families and communities. We’re making sure they get the chance by giving them access to the skills and experience needed to step confidently into the workforce. NPower Canada is doing just that—creating pathways into tech that are rooted in inclusivity and equality. It’s a great example of what happens when community organizations and federal support come together to create real opportunities for all youth, especially those who’ve been left out, to land a good job and build a meaningful career."
– The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth 

“At NPower Canada, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed in a meaningful career. Over the past decade, we have empowered thousands of young people and partnered with employers of all sizes to help bridge Canada’s skills gap. This funding, as part of the YESS program, will enable us to provide in-demand digital and professional skills training, comprehensive wraparound supports, and job connections to over 1,100 youth across six provinces. Our participants come from diverse backgrounds including women, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada, and those with disabilities. Despite their varied experiences, they share a common ambition to build successful careers. Together, we are fostering a more inclusive future where everyone – regardless of their background – can unlock their potential and meaningfully contribute to the economy.”
– Julia Blackburn, CEO, NPower Canada

• ESDC’s YESS Program was designed to give all youth an equal opportunity to find meaningful work. New to this funding cycle is the Youth with Disabilities Stream. Over 30% of funded projects are expected to address the unique employment challenges faced by youth with disabilities, surpassing the original target of 20%.

• Other priority groups include Indigenous youth, 2SLGBTQI+ youth, Black and racialized youth, and youth in official language minority communities.

• • ESDC’s YESS Program is part of the Government of Canada’s broader Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, a horizontal initiative championed by 12 federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations. Together, these 12 partners deliver funding programs to help Canadian youth (aged 15 to 30) develop the skills and gain the experience they need to successfully transition into the labour market. 

• To help younger Canadians pursue and achieve their dreams, the Government is investing to create more job opportunities and ensure that hard work pays off for the next generation. To create 90,000 youth job placements and employment support opportunities per year, Budget 2024 proposes to provide $351.2 million for the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy in the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year. These investments in youth job opportunities include:

  • $150.7 million across the federal partners under the YESS to provide job placements and employment supports to youth; and
  • $200.5 million for Canada Summer Jobs delivered by ESDC to provide well-paying summer job opportunities, including jobs in sectors facing critical labour shortages, such as housing construction.

Associated links

• Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

For media enquiries, please contact:

Hannaan Hassan
Senior Advisor, Communications
Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
Hannaan.hassan@fegc-wage.gc.ca

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