Applications now being accepted for Youth Employment and Skills Program

Ottawa, Ontario – Engaging youth in agriculture with meaningful work opportunities is critical to the development of Canada’s next generation of farmers.

Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of up to $3.7 million to enhance the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) and support approximately 300 jobs for youth in the agriculture sector. The YESP aims to support agri-food employers and provide young Canadians between the ages of 15 and 30 with job experience in agriculture that could lead to a career working in the sector.

The YESP will support agriculture employers with the cost of hiring Canadian youth with an additional focus on those who face employment barriers. Eligible applicants include producers, agri-businesses, industry associations, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and research facilities.

What the YESP offers:

• Employers that hire youth facing specific employment barriers will be eligible for 80 per cent of the cost of salaries and benefits, up to $14,000.
• Applicants will be eligible for an additional $5,000 in funding to address the barriers, including relocation. 
• Depending on demand, the program will support 50 per cent of salaries and benefits for youth who do not face these barriers, up to $14,000.

Applications are now open for a limited time. Employers can apply between February 28, 2022 and March 21, 2022 for their project to be considered.