April 13, 2026 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
As youth across Canada are working towards their future in the workforce, the Government of Canada is supporting their next steps by building more pathways to rewarding careers and skills development. From managing the cost of studying and training, to securing a first job, to gaining meaningful work experience related to their field of study, this will empower them with better careers and a more affordable life.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, highlighted that the Government of Canada is creating175,000 jobs and skills building opportunities for youth as well as providing education and training related actions that will improve youth employment across Canada. These include:
Managing the cost of studying and training:
- The federal government is maintaining the 40% increase to Canada Student Grants for full-time students, part-time students, students with disabilities and students with dependents and the Canada Student Loan limit increase from $210 to $300 per week of study for the 2026- 27 school year.
- Student loans forgiveness has been expanded to more healthcare and social services related professionals working in under-served rural and remote communities as of 2025- 26.
- The accumulation of interest on student and apprenticeship loans currently being repaid by graduates has been permanently eliminated, as of 2023.
Securing a first job:
- 100,000 Canada Summer Jobs will be posted on the Job Bank website and mobile app as of April 20 - giving young people essential skills and experience for future career success.
Gaining meaningful work experience:
- 55,000 new work-integrated learning opportunities for post-secondary students, related to their field of study, through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), including the Innovative Work-integrated Learning (I-WIL) Initiative.
- More than 20,000 skills and work experience opportunities through programs delivered under the Government of Canada's Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS).
The Government of Canada also invested in the Future Skills Centre and its work to support programs that provide mentorship, career exploration, and work-integrated learning to youth facing barriers to employment.
These combined actions are having long-term impacts, giving young people in Canada the skills, competencies, and connections needed to secure and maintain good jobs, strengthening the Canadian workforce with their energy and innovation, and contributing to the growth of our economy.
