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OTTAWA — The federal government has opened applications for the 2027 Canada Summer Jobs program, with priority being given to positions in construction, environmental work, digital skills and artificial intelligence.
Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu says employers can apply for funding until Dec. 3 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time.
Eligible employers include not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and private sector businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees.
Canada Summer Jobs provides wage subsidies for employers hiring young people between the ages of 15 and 30.
Public and private sector employers can receive funding covering up to 50 per cent of the applicable provincial or territorial minimum wage.
Not-for-profit organizations can receive funding covering up to 100 per cent of minimum wage, along with mandatory employment-related costs including Employment Insurance and Canada Pension Plan or Quebec Pension Plan contributions.
“The best way to prepare young people for tomorrow’s jobs is to connect them with meaningful work experiences today,” Hajdu said.
“Breaking into the workforce can be difficult but programs like Canada Summer Jobs give youth the confidence, support, and skills that they need to succeed.”
The federal government sets national priorities for the program each year based on labour market needs.
For 2027, priority will be given to positions providing experience related to construction, environmental and climate-related work, digital skills or exposure to artificial intelligence.
Priority will also be given to not-for-profit organizations supporting underserved and equity-deserving communities.
Canada Summer Jobs positions must provide between 30 and 40 hours of work per week and last between six and 16 consecutive weeks.
The federal government says the average funded position lasts eight weeks.
Employers are being encouraged to apply electronically through the Grants and Contributions Online Services portal.
Service Canada is expected to begin notifying organizations about the status of their applications in April 2027, with notifications continuing through the summer.
Approved positions will automatically be posted on the federal Job Bank website and mobile app.
Ottawa says demand for the program exceeds available funding, meaning not every eligible application will be approved and successful employers may receive less funding or fewer weeks than requested.
The government says there is also no guarantee an organization funded in one year will receive support in the next.
Since 2019, the Canada Summer Jobs program has supported more than 600,000 employment opportunities for young people.
The program is part of more than $1.5 billion included in Budget 2025 for youth skills development and work experience through Canada Summer Jobs, the Student Work Placement Program and the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy.
Ottawa says the funding complements its $8-billion Team Canada Strong initiative, which aims to recruit, train and hire up to 100,000 Red Seal skilled trades workers by 2030-31.
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