GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 27, 2026 /CNW/ -- The key to building Canada's future workforce is ensuring young people have opportunities to gain skills, experience and confidence in the labour market. That's why the Government of Canada is working with employers, particularly in high-demand sectors, to create meaningful employment opportunities for young people through Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2027.

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, announced that the employer application period for CSJ 2027 is open until December 3, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Eligible employers include not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers, and private sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees. Canada Summer Jobs provides funding to participating employers, amounting to 50% of the provincial or territorial minimum wage for public and private sector employers. For not-for-profit organizations, funding covers up to 100% of the provincial or territorial minimum wage, and all associated mandatory employment-related costs (such as EI and CPP/QPP contributions).

Every year, the Government of Canada establishes national priorities for Canada Summer Jobs to reflect evolving needs in Canada's labour market. In 2027, priority will be given to jobs that provide work experience for young people aged 15 to 30 related to:

• construction;
• environmental and climate-related activities;
• developing digital skills or gaining exposure to artificial intelligence; and,
• not-for-profit organizations that support underserved and equity-deserving communities.

Employers interested in applying for CSJ 2027 funding are encouraged to submit their application electronically through the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) portal. Before doing so, they should access the CSJ 2027 Applicant Guide, which is available on the CSJ webpage. It provides instructions on how to fill out an application, eligibility requirements and assessment criteria.

Service Canada will inform organizations of the status of their application starting in April 2027 and continuing into the summer months. CSJ-funded positions will automatically be posted on the Job Bank.gc.ca website and mobile app to help employers fill positions with qualified young people looking for work in their communities.

The Government of Canada has invested more than $1.5 billion through Budget 2025 to help young people develop skills and gain work experience through the Student Work Placement Program and the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, including Canada Summer Jobs. This work complements Team Canada Strong, an $8 billion investment to recruit, train, and hire up to 100,000 Red Seal skilled trades workers by 2030–31 to help build Canada's housing, infrastructure, and defence priorities.

Together, we are empowering Canadian youth with meaningful work experience, supporting local employers, and building a stronger, more prosperous Canada.

Quotes

"The best way to prepare young people for tomorrow's jobs is to connect them with meaningful work experiences today. 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. By connecting youth to local employers, we are investing in the next generation to build a stronger Canada."
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

"Young people from all backgrounds have talent and potential. Through Canada Summer Jobs, employers can connect with motivated young workers who are eager to contribute, build their skills and help meet workforce needs. I encourage employers across Canada to apply for Canada Summer Jobs funding. By hiring a young person, you can strengthen your organization, support your community and help the next generation gain valuable experience."
– The Honourable Anna Gainey, Secretary of State (Children and Youth)

Quick facts

• CSJ employment opportunities must be full-time with a minimum of 30 hours a week and a maximum of 40 hours per week.
• All CSJ opportunities must have a duration of between 6 and 16 consecutive weeks (average is 8 weeks).
• Due to program oversubscription, not all eligible CSJ projects are funded; and organizations that receive funding may not receive the level of funding or the number of weeks requested.
• There is no guarantee of funding from one year to the next.
• Starting in 2028, GCOS will be the only online platform accepting CSJ applications. 
• Creating a GCOS account is the first step toward applying for funding. It is a one-time process that allows organizations to apply for various funding opportunities with Employment and Social Development Canada in a secure web environment.
• Through GCOS, organizations can apply and track their application status, sign agreements, manage active projects, and submit supporting documents. In addition, GCOS can save business information and past CSJ applications, making it much faster to submit all future CSJ applications.
• Since 2019, the Canada Summer Jobs program has supported more than 600,000 quality job opportunities for young people.

Related products

• Backgrounder

Associated links

• Canada Summer Jobs  
• Grants and Contributions Online Services 

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada