The agriculture sector is getting some help to employ young people.

The federal government's providing about $13.5 million to support a new application intake under the Youth Employment and Skills Program.

It'll support about 1,200 jobs.

The government will pay agricultural employers up to half of employees' wages up to a maximum of $14,000 if they hire Canadian youth. 

Employers that hire youth facing employment barriers will be eligible for 80% of the cost of salaries and benefits (to a maximum of $14,000) and may be eligible for an additional $5,000 to address specific obstacles to employment.

The program supports the following employees:

  • Indigenous;
  • youth living with a disability – including physical, mental health related or learning disability;
  • racialized youth;
  • recent newcomers to Canada (within 5 years);
  • single parent;
  • living in a low income household;
  • individual who left high school;
  • residing in a remote, northern and/or fly-in community;
  • living in an Official Language Minority Community; and
  • 2SLGBTQQIA+.

Applications are open between February 26, 2024 and March 25, 2024 for their project to be considered. Applications from Indigenous employers will be prioritized for the 2024-2025 program year. Application forms for the YESP are available through the webpage. For additional information, contact Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada by email  aafc.yesp-pecj.aac@canada.ca  or by calling 1-866-452-5558.