Ontario NDP brings Youth Summer Jobs plan to Queen’s Park

QUEEN’S PARK — Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP are bringing forward an Opposition Day motion calling for a new Youth Summer Jobs Program to help young people find work and get experience at a time when too many are being shut out of the job market.

“Doug Ford’s jobs disaster is leaving an entire generation behind,” said Stiles. “Young folks are sending out resumes everywhere, hearing nothing back, and wondering how they’re supposed to build a future when they can’t even get a first job.”

The youth jobs plan would help create paid summer jobs and training opportunities for young people through municipalities, non-profits, public agencies, and small businesses across Ontario.

“One in five young people are out of work right now,” said Stiles. “It’s easy for Doug Ford to tell young people to just work harder when he’s never had to worry about finding a summer job to pay tuition or rent. Young people are applying everywhere, trying to get experience, trying to build a future, and they’re still getting shut out.”

Stiles said setting young people up for success means setting Ontario up for success.

“Ford now has a chance to actually do something about it,” added Stiles. “He can vote to help create real summer jobs and opportunities for young people across Ontario instead of leaving another generation wondering why they can’t find work.”

The Ontario NDP motion would guarantee any Ontarian under 30:

• 6-12 weeks at a paid job.
• A paid training and placement pathway.
• Or a subsidized employer placement with supports for certification and licensing.