Dear Friends,
RE:Canada Summer Jobs 2009
I’m writing to let you know that the federal government has launched its Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2009 program. More information about this program can be found at:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/yi/yep/programs/scpp.shtml
Canada Summer Jobs is federal government initiative of the Summer Work Experience program. It provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to create high-quality summer job opportunities for students between the ages of 15 and 30.
Applications for CSJ are available as of February 2, 2009 in Service Canada offices and online at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2009 The deadline for employers to submit completed applications is February 27, 2009. Applicants will be notified if they have been selected to hire students in May, 2009.
I’ve learned that the budget for 2009 is the same as it was in 2008, which will be very tight given the size and depth of need in our community. I’ve communicated my concern by writing to the Hon. Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. I’m including this letter below for your reference. If you also have concerns, I encourage you to write to the Minister also at: finled@parl.gc.ca
Service Canada staff will assess each application based on the eligibility requirements and assessment criteria, including local priorities and rating scale. To give your application a good shot at success, it is absolutely critical to address these criteria and all the priorities as much as possible in a manner that is clear, plain and provides concrete ideas and examples.
If you have any questions, you can contact 1-800-935-5555 or go to the website.
If you’re making an application, I wish you the very best.
Sincerely,
Libby Davies, MP (Vancouver East)
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January 16, 2009
Hon. Diane Finley
Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Dear Minister,
RE: Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2009
I am writing to express my grave concerns about the budget for the CSJ program in my constituency of Vancouver East. I realize the information we have received from your office about this program is prior to the new Federal Budget to be announced January 27th. I hope you have lobbied hard as a Minister to ensure that the CSJ program is at least doubled, as part of an economic stimulus package.
In order to respond to Canada’s current and future economic challenges, it is imperative that the federal government encourage programs that spur both job creation and skills development for young people. Further, as you know our population is aging and the pool of skilled workers is shrinking, so there must be fundamental plans to get our young people trained. This is sound public policy.
I am proposing that CSJ be used as a tool for young people to obtain training, mentoring, and employment opportunities over the long term. This significant investment in youth would complement your government’s push for a pro-growth environment, which is critical to the long-term success and strength of the Canadian economy.
However, the budget allocation for 2009 is $423,473, a grossly inadequate amount which will not address the issues I mentioned above.
Moreover, this amount does not address the needs of both students and the community. The current budget will mean that many high quality, career-related student jobs will go unfilled. Students will not be able to gain concrete work experience nor earn the crucial salary that they depend upon to pay tuition fees. Further, important services for children, families, and communities that are at risk will not be delivered.
CSJ is a longstanding program and deservedly so. It provides an excellent opportunity to create high-quality summer job opportunities for students, plus provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses. Unfortunately, despite its importance and widespread benefits, the budget allocation has been totally inadequate. I respectfully urge you to increase funding to this excellent program. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Original signed by
Libby Davies, MP (Vancouver East)