March 6, 2024
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay has unveiled a substantial funding package totalling approximately $13.5 million to launch a fresh round of applications under the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP).
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay has unveiled a substantial funding package totalling approximately $13.5 million to launch a fresh round of applications under the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP).
This initiative aims to bolster the agricultural industry by creating around 1,200 job opportunities tailored for youth.
Under the YESP framework, agricultural employers will receive support covering 50% of wages, up to a maximum of $14,000, for Canadian youth hires. Moreover, employers engaging youth facing employment barriers will qualify for 80% of salary and benefit costs, capped at $14,000, with the potential for an additional $5,000 to address specific employment challenges.
The program prioritizes inclusivity, extending support to various segments of youth, including indigenous individuals, those with disabilities (physical, mental health-related, or learning disabilities), racialized youth, recent newcomers to Canada (within five years), single parents, individuals from low-income households, high school dropouts, residents of remote or northern communities, members of official language minority communities, and those identifying as 2SLGBTQQIA+.