FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Guelph, ON – April 14, 2026
An exciting investment is creating real opportunities right here in Guelph. Guelph’s Member of Parliament, Dominique O’Rourke, is proud to support more than $1.8 million in funding for local businesses and community organizations, directly resulting in 380 summer job opportunities for youth across Guelph.
Delivered through Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ), this funding directly supports Guelph employers while helping young people build skills, gain experience, and contribute to the local economy. CSJ is part of the federal Youth Employment and Skills Strategy and is administered annually by Employment and Social Development Canada to address employment gaps faced by youth.
The program is open to youth aged 15 to 30 who are beginning to build their professional experience. In Guelph, these positions span across a wide range of sectors, reflecting the strength and diversity of the community. There are job opportunities in agriculture and environmental work, arts and culture, research, non‑profits, and small businesses.
MP O’Rourke regularly hears from young people in Guelph about the challenges they face entering the workforce and gaining the hands‑on experience needed to transition into long‑term careers. Supporting local youth employment is a key priority in her work as Guelph’s Member of Parliament.
CSJ positions funded through this investment are posted on the Job Bank, and are now open, offering Guelph youth meaningful, paid employment opportunities close to home.
Quotes
“As young Canadians are working towards their future in difficult times, they will not be left behind. The Canada Summer Jobs program helps young people get meaningful, paid work experience that builds the skills and confidence to succeed in the job market. This year, by expanding the program to support up to 100,000 job opportunities, we are ensuring that even more young Canadians can access meaningful job experiences and build the foundation for long-term success.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
“Quality summer jobs help youth gain the skills, confidence and experience they need to succeed in the workforce. This investment in Canada Summer Jobs will empower 100,000 young people to explore career interests, earn income over the summer, and take important first steps toward high-paying, long-term careers. Building a stronger Canadian economy for tomorrow begins with supporting future generations today.”
– The Honourable Anna Gainey, Secretary of State (Children and Youth)
“I hear from the young adults in my life as well as from members of my Youth Advisory Committee, how important summer jobs are to help pay for school or rent, but more importantly to gain hands-on experience. Canada Summer Jobs is an important program for young people while supporting employers and our local economy. It’s a win-win-win.”
– Dominique O’Rourke, Member of Parliament for Guelph
Quick Facts
- CSJ-funded jobs are full-time (30 to 40 hours per week), with a duration of 6 to 16 weeks (with the average duration being 8 weeks).
- Since 2019, CSJ has supported employers to create more than 600,000 job opportunities for youth, including over 75,000 jobs in 2025.
- The CSJ program helps improve access to the labour market for youth, especially those who face barriers to employment. This includes youth with disabilities, Black youth, racialized youth, Indigenous youth, 2SLGBTQI+ youth, youth in rural and remote areas, and youth in official language minority communities.
- Youth who participate in the CSJ program benefit from better long-term earnings than non-participants, according to a 2024 audit by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada.