Perth-Wellington MP encourages local employers to apply for Canada Summer Jobs 2026 funding

By Julia Paul

The employer application process for the Canada Summer Jobs 2026 program is now open, Perth-Wellington MP John Nater announced recently, encouraging local organizations and businesses to apply for funding that helps connect young people with valuable summer work experience.

“Through Canada Summer Jobs, young Canadians have an opportunity to gain the skills and experience they need to get jobs now and in the future,” said Nater. “I encourage employers to apply for funding to create jobs that will help students, employers and our local economies.”

Last summer, the program helped create 190 jobs across Perth-Wellington, supporting a mix of not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses.

The Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program provides wage subsidies to help employers create meaningful summer employment opportunities for youth aged 15-30. Nater said the program benefits both students and employers by providing young workers with practical experience while addressing local labour shortages and skill-development needs.

“It’s about giving youth a chance to learn, contribute and stay connected to the communities that raised them,” he said.

This year’s application period runs from Nov. 4 to Dec. 11, closing one week earlier than in previous years. Nater said the earlier deadline is intended to allow employers to be notified of their funding sooner, though he added more improvement is still needed.

“While the application period will close slightly earlier this year, it is anticipated that notifications will still begin around the beginning of April,” Nater said. “Not only is the April notification date much too late for most students to find out if they have a summer job, but employers also must budget and therefore need confirmation of whether or not they will receive funding well in advance of this date.”

He noted university and college students often need to finalize their summer-employment plans by mid-February, which can make the current timeline challenging.

“When students finish exams in April, they’re ready to begin their summer jobs,” he said. “By that time, many have already accepted other positions.”

Nater said improving the timing of employer notifications could help match more students with local opportunities earlier in the year and ensure nonprofit agencies can plan and train staff ahead of their busy summer season.

Funding through the program will once again be available to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Successful applicants will receive wage subsidies to hire young people for full-time summer jobs that align with community priorities and local economic needs.

“Creating summer jobs for students benefits not only youth and employers, but also the local economies in Perth-Wellington and across the country,” Nater said. “It’s a win for everyone – young workers gain experience and employers can train potential long-term employees they might not otherwise have been able to hire.”

Employers interested in applying for Canada Summer Jobs 2026 funding are encouraged to submit their applications electronically through the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) portal. Creating a GCOS account is a one-time process that allows organizations to securely apply for various Employment and Social Development Canada funding opportunities.

More information is available at www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html