The Government of Canada invests in green jobs for youth

Youth gain valuable work experience in environmental fields

CALGARY, Aug. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - The global economy is shifting towards cleaner growth. By investing in green jobs for today's youth, the Government of Canada is helping tackle climate change and ensuring our long-term competitiveness on the world stage. Giving Canadian youth a real and fair chance at success means helping them get the skills and training they need to get good jobs now as part of the clean-growth economy.

Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, announced that the Government of Canada will invest more than $14 million, which will help Canadian youth get valuable work experience.

This year, Environment and Climate Change Canada will take the full funding amount and invest it with employers to hire over 950 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics graduates across the country through the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program. Eligible employers can receive up to $15,000 in wage subsidies to hire an intern.

Quote

"Our government understands that the economy and the environment go hand in hand. We understand the importance of taking action to protect our environment and tackle climate change while growing our economy to create good jobs and ensure competitiveness. Our Youth Employment Strategy will help young Canadians get meaningful work experience that will have a long-lasting impact on their path towards career success. By supporting almost 1000 green jobs for young people today, we are helping to build the economy of tomorrow and set the stage for a cleaner, more prosperous Canada for generations to come."
– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

• This funding is part of Budget 2017's additional $395.5 million investment over three years, starting in 2017-18, for the Youth Employment Strategy.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada is one of 11 federal departments committed to providing opportunities for Canada's youth under the Youth Employment Strategy.
• Since 1997, Science Horizons has delivered over 2500 internship opportunities for youth across Canada.

Related product

Science Horizons Youth Internship Program

Associated link

Science Horizons Youth Internship Program

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page

Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

For further information: Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 613-462-5473, [e-mail]; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free), [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.ec.gc.ca