The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announces an investment of up to $3.7 million to enhance the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) and support approximately 300 jobs for youth in the agriculture sector.
"Canadian youth are the future of our sector. We need to provide them with tools and opportunities to gain experience to help them reach their full potential,” says The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
“The Youth Employment and Skills Program helps eliminate barriers to employment for those wishing to pursue a career in agriculture. Our Government continues to support agri-food employers to ensure the prosperity of the industry."
The YESP will support agriculture employers with the cost of hiring Canadian youth, between the ages of 15 and 30, with an additional focus on those who face employment barriers.
Youth facing barriers includes Indigenous youth, youth living with a physical disability, youth living with a diagnosed mental health disability, visible minorities, recent immigrants (within five years), those residing in a remote location, youth living in a low-income household, or a single parent and early school leaver.
Employers that hire youth facing specific employment barriers will be eligible for 80 per cent of the cost of salaries and benefits (up to $14,000). An additional $5,000 in funding will be given to applications addressing the barriers, including relocation.
Depending on the demand, the YESP will support 50 per cent of salaries and benefits for youth who do not face these barriers (up to $14,000).
Employers can now apply for their project to be considered until March 21st, 2022. It is advisable to read the Applicant guide before applying, for detailed information on eligibility criteria, support and funding details and the application process.
To apply for the Youth Employment and Skills Program, visit here. For more information, contact aafc.yesp-pecj.aac@canada.ca or call 1-866-452-5558.
More about the Youth Employment and Skills Program
YESP first launched in June 2019 and has supported the creation of nearly 1,000 agriculture jobs across Canada. It is part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), an Employment and Social Development Canada-led initiative involving 12 federal departments and agencies.
YESP is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to help young people facing barriers to employment get the information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to make a successful transition into the labour market.