Government of Canada invests $23.8 million to help youth build the skills necessary for the evolving digital economy
Press Release
From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
April 24, 2026
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced a call for proposals under the Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) program. This will be supported by $23.8 million in federal funding to be invested over two years to build a strong workforce that can adapt to the technologies that are increasingly driving how we work and do business.
DS4Y is part of the government’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), which helps provide Canadian youth with the tools, skills and experience they need to succeed in today’s labour market.
Through this call for proposals, the government is looking for organizations with a strong network of employers that can provide post-secondary graduates with training and work experience to help them prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. To reduce barriers, post-secondary education is not required for participants who live in Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut.
The types of organizations that can apply for funding are for-profit and not-for-profit organizations; provincial, territorial and municipal governments and their agencies; Indigenous governments, band councils and other not-for-profit groups representing Indigenous people; and provincial and territorial Crown corporations.
The deadline to submit a complete application is May 22, 2026.
More information on DS4Y and the application process can be found on the Digital Skills for Youth program website.
Quotes
“Technology continues to evolve in ways we might never have imagined, and the next generation of Canadians is essential to our continued and future economic success in the digital world. Our government is investing in our youth to ensure they have the tools they need to adapt and thrive in the economy of today, and tomorrow.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Quick facts
- The DS4Y program has supported 6,900 youth internships across Canada since its launch in 2018.
- Funding will be available from the 2026–2027 to the 2027–2028 fiscal year.
- DS4Y seeks to provide experiences that will prepare youth to adapt to tomorrow’s workplace, including in emerging areas such as cybersecurity, the automation of knowledge tasks, big data and artificial intelligence.
Associated links
Contacts
Gabrielle Landry
Deputy Director, Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
gabrielle.landry@ised-isde.gc.ca
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca
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