Students gain vital work experience in environmental fields
OTTAWA, May 21, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - As part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy, Parks Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada will hire 400 additional students and Environment and Climate Change Canada is also providing wage subsidies for employers to hire over 700 science, technology, mathematics, and engineering graduates.
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, made the announcement during a visit to Thousand Islands National Park to open the visitor season at Parks Canada places.
Minister McKenna met with some of these students at Thousand Islands National Park who will be working in a variety of positions, including assisting with the research and monitoring of species-at-risk and acting as guides and interpreters who will provide information and share stories about the national park with visitors.
Students at Parks Canada will have the unique opportunity to experience and learn more about our environment and history, and be involved in protecting and presenting Canada's most treasured natural and cultural heritage places.
Budget 2016 proposes to invest an additional $165.4 million in the Youth Employment Strategy in 2016–2017. The Government also announced that it will invest $339 million, starting in 2016–17, to create up to 35,000 additional jobs in each of the next three years under the Canada Summer Jobs program. This investment will more than double the number of job opportunities supported by the program.
Quote
"Our Government knows that young Canadians have so much to contribute to the labour force. Youth today need tangible job skills and meaningful work experience to make a successful transition from school to the workforce. Providing today's youth with opportunities to work in exciting green jobs related to the environment is an investment in our country's future."
The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Quick Facts
- The Youth Employment Strategy is a government-wide initiative to help young people, particularly those facing barriers to employment, get the information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to make a successful transition into the labour market.
- Budget 2016 committed to additional investments in the Youth Employment Strategy (2016–2017) to create new green jobs for youth, helping young Canadians gain valuable work experience, learn about our natural environment and contribute to economic growth in environmental sectors.
- Parks Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada are two of 11 federal departments committed to providing opportunities for Canada's youth under the Youth Employment Strategy.
Associated Links
Youth Employment Strategy
Parks Canada
ECCC Science Horizons Program
SOURCE Parks Canada
Caitlin Workman, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-938-9436; Media Relations, Parks Canada Agency, 855-862-1812, [email protected]
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