The federal government has announced an investment of up to $9.2 million to enhance the Youth Employment and Sills Program (YESP) and fund up to 700 new positions for youth in the agriculture industry.
This additional funding will help the agriculture industry attract Canadian youth, ages 15 to 30, to their organizations to assist with labour shortages brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"During this unprecedented time, our food producers are working hard to feed Canada, while adjusting their businesses to new challenges, such as a shortage of workers," said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "This program will help agricultural and agri-food businesses meet their labour needs with support for up to 700 workers, while allowing more young people in Canada to explore the limitless potential this industry has to offer."
YESP will provide agriculture employers up to 50 per cent of the cost of hiring a Canadian youth up to $14,000. Indigenous applicants and those applicants hiring a youth facing barriers are eligible for funding of up to 80 per cent of their costs.
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