Thunder Bay, Ontario-The Government of Canada continues to create new opportunities abroad for Canadian youth to experience other cultures and form lasting relationships. The Government of Canada also seeks to provide international youth with meaningful work and life experiences in Canada.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, (on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship) and His Excellency Roy Eriksson, Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Canada, today announced the signing of the Canada-Finland Youth Mobility Agreement. The agreement is expected to come into force in 2024.
This new agreement will allow Canadian and Finnish youth, aged 18 to 35, to work and travel in each other's country under International Experience Canada (IEC) or the Finnish equivalent. There are three categories under IEC: Working Holiday, International Co-op (internship) and Young Professionals. Youth will be able to participate in the program for up to 12 months per category.
Canada and Finland enjoy excellent bilateral relations, founded on strong ties between our people and shared values. Canada and Finland celebrated 75 years of formal diplomatic relations in 2022, and this agreement will provide a new basis to further strengthen bilateral relations between our two countries. IEC will enable Canadian and Finnish youth, including Francophone and Indigenous youth, to immerse themselves in new cultures and experiences, while developing life skills, improving future job prospects and deepening social ties.
