A good start to helping youth enter the workforce

2018 federal budget gives young Canadians opportunities for hands-on learning

TORONTO, March 2, 2018 /CNW/ - Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is pleased to see this year's federal budget invest $448.5 million over five years in the Youth Employment Strategy and direct that money to maintaining the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program?70,000 a year for the next two years.

Each summer, the Canada Summer Jobs program provides grants so organizations can offer opportunities for youth to gain work experience, develop employability skills, and save up for postsecondary education. The program is invaluable to Boys and Girls Clubs, who offer supportive work environments where youth can meaningfully contribute to their community.

"Last year, local Boys and Girls Clubs hired 660 university and high school students in communities that would otherwise have had few opportunities for meaningful employment," said Owen Charters, President & CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. "We also know more can be done. We'd love to see the government extend the program to youth who are not full-time students."

Newcomer and low-income youth are often disqualified from the Canada Summer Jobs program because they are studying part time in order to fulfill other responsibilities?a situation that affects young women especially.

As Canada's largest youth-serving organization, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada has long recommended expansions to the Canada Summer Jobs program that will remove barriers preventing vulnerable young people from joining the workforce. In impoverished communities, a summer job can mean helping family or having a safe place to be during the day. Perhaps most importantly, a job can be a source of personal pride and have a positive impact on a young person's mental health.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is anticipating government reforms to the Youth Employment Strategy so that the needs of Canada's more vulnerable youth are addressed.

About Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
As Canada's largest child- and youth-serving organization, Boys and Girls Clubs provide vital programs and services to over 200,000 young people in nearly 700 communities across Canada. During critical out-of-school hours, our Clubs offer safe spaces where young people can explore their interests, develop their strengths, and realize positive outcomes in self-expression, academics, healthy living, physical activity, mental health, and more. Our trained staff and volunteers help young people build the confidence and sense of belonging they need to overcome barriers, form positive relationships and mature into responsible, caring adults. Visit www.bgccan.com to learn more and follow us at www.facebook.com/bgccan and www.twitter.com/bgccan.

SOURCE Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada