It's a terrific opportunity for young people as well as for Delta businesses.
Delta MP Carla Qualtrough offered that positive message Friday morning as she announced her government's plan to double the funding this year for the Canada Summer Jobs program.
Speaking to an audience at the North Delta Recreation Centre, the minister of sport and persons with disabilities announced the government will support the hiring of up to 70,000 students across the country this year, approximately double the 34,000 hired under the program last year.
Approximately 150 students were hired in the Newton-North Delta and Delta-Richmond East ridings last year by employers funded under the program.
"It is time to invest in young Canadians to help them develop the skills and acquire the critical work experience they need to successfully start their career and contribute to the Canadian economy, right here in British Columbia," said Qualtrough. "By doubling the number of Canada Summer Jobs placement for 2016 nationally, we aim to reduce the high summer youth unemployment that we have seen in recent years."
Also on hand at Friday's announcement were Delta MLAs Scott Hamilton and Vicki Huntington and Mayor Lois Jackson, all of whom said the program will provide even more valuable work experience for youth.
Hamilton said Delta is rich in employment opportunities with both small and larger businesses, and not just in the hospitality industry. He said he will start introducing the expanded program to all his contacts in the business community.
Noting it's an extremely important first step for students, Huntington said she was particularly pleased with one element in the program that offers employers an additional $3,000 to make provisions to be able to bring on disabled students.
Jackson said the Corporation of Delta will be applying to hire 15 students this summer for youth programs.
The application deadline has been extended to March 11.
