Canada's Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay has announced a two-year investment of up to $5.2 million for the Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative to attract young Canadians to green jobs within the agriculture and agri-food sector.
The initiative follows through on a Government of Canada commitment made in Budget 2017 to help create good, well-paying jobs and to support young Canadians as they transition into the workforce.
Under the initiative, support is available to fund youth internships, both on the farm and with organizations engaged in the agriculture and agri-food sector for environmentally beneficial activities.
"Young Canadians have the talent and drive to lead the future growth of Canada,s economy, but they need practical work experience. Green jobs will provide young Canadians with valuable work experience, jump-starting their future careers in the agriculture and the environment sectors", the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food said.
Quick Facts:
- Budget 2017 recognizes that the agriculture and agri-food sector is a key driver of the Canadian economy. Under Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan, Budget 2017 commits to helping young Canadians succeed through measures that help create employment and skills development opportunities under the Youth Employment Strategy (YES).
- Funding will be available in two streams: The Green Farms stream will provide matching funds of up to ten thousand dollars ($10K), to help a farmer hire high school or college students to support environmentally beneficial activities on the farm.
- The Green Internships stream will provide matching funds of up to sixteen thousand dollars ($16K) to help organizations involved in the agricultural industry hire young graduates to pursue environmental activities, services or research that benefit the agriculture sector. Applications for both streams will be accepted starting April 26.