With the school year just getting started, Delta MP and Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability InclusionCarlaQualtrough visited Simon Fraser University in Burnaby Friday to announce up to $11.6 million for the University’s Pivot 2020 project under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS).
This funding will provide paid research and skill development opportunities to more than 1,400 youth in 27 cities across Canada who face barriers to employment. Young people under this program will gain vital skills while working on national research projects designed to enhance Canada’s COVID-19 economic and workforce recovery.
“The uncertainty many young Canadians have felt over the past few months can be overwhelming, but in Canada, we look out for each other,” said Qualtrough. “We value education and hard work. The set of comprehensive measures we put in place over the last few months are helping students get through these difficult times, so they can build their career and the future they’ve been working for. We are steadfast in our commitment to build on the measures we have put in place to help students during the pandemic and will continue supporting them in the upcoming school year.”
Qualtrough also highlighted the Government of Canada’s fall support measures to help students through the upcoming school year. These include easing eligibility requirements for Canada Student Loans and Canada Student Grants to allow more post-secondary students to qualify and be eligible for greater amounts. Specifically, Canada Student Grants have been doubled for full-time students to up to $6,000 for this school year, and the cap on Canada Student Loans has been increased to $350 per week of study. These fall measures represent an investment of approximately $1.9 billion and are expected to expand the reach of the Canada Student Loans Program and benefit approximately 765,000 students.
