Feds announce up to 6,000 more Canada Summer Jobs as youth struggle to find work
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu made a significant announcement on Friday afternoon, revealing that the federal government is expanding the Canada Summer Jobs program to create up to 6,000 additional spots for young people. This move comes at a crucial time as many youth are struggling to secure employment opportunities.
In an interview with CBC’s The House, Hajdu emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the government is reallocating $25 million from Employment and Social Development Canada to fund the extra 6,000 jobs. The Canada Summer Jobs program was initially set to provide 70,000 job opportunities for youth this summer.
Statistics Canada data shows a steady increase in the unemployment rate among individuals aged 15 to 24, rising from 10 per cent in January 2023 to 14.2 per cent in May 2025. This concerning trend has left many young people like 19-year-old Mel Purchase from Alliston, Ont., struggling to find work. Purchase expressed her frustrations, stating that she has been tirelessly submitting resumes to temp agencies in hopes of securing employment in a factory to pursue her dream career in welding.
Similarly, 25-year-old graduate student Riley Locke shared his experience of facing challenges in securing a summer internship required for his master’s degree in urban planning. Locke highlighted the difficulties of the job application process and the relief he felt upon finally landing a job after months of rejection emails.
Ilona Dougherty, co-creator of the Youth & Innovation Project at the University of Waterloo, emphasized the need for a fundamental rethink of entry-level job opportunities for young people in light of complex economic factors and the increasing use of AI in hiring processes. Dougherty stressed the importance of preparing young individuals for the evolving workforce to prevent long-term economic disengagement.
The announcement of additional spots in the Canada Summer Jobs program comes amidst calls to address issues such as the use of temporary foreign workers and wage disparities. Conservative MP Jamil Jivani launched a petition to end the temporary foreign worker program, citing youth unemployment as a reason for concern. Dougherty acknowledged the complexity of the situation but emphasized the importance of ensuring fair wages for young Canadians in entry-level positions.
Ultimately, the focus remains on supporting young individuals in their pursuit of meaningful employment opportunities. The government’s commitment to expanding the Canada Summer Jobs program serves as a crucial step in addressing the challenges faced by youth in the current job market. It is essential for policymakers and stakeholders to collaborate in creating a supportive environment for young people to thrive and contribute to the workforce.
