Government of Canada funding to help PLT Canada break through barriers and place 500 more youth in Green Jobs by 2020

July 13, 2019

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour announced $4.4 million in funding for PLT Canada’s Growing Skills project in Thunder Bay, Ontario on July 12, 2019.

The Government of Canada is investing over $4.4 million in Project Learning Tree Canada (PLT Canada)’s Growing Skills project. This funding will help more than 500 Canadian youth, including some facing barriers, gain work experience and receive career support services in the conservation and forest sectors by October 2020.

“Young Canadians are talented, ambitious and hard-working, but getting a strong start in the workforce can be challenging for many. The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy will make it easier for young people to transition from the classroom to the workforce, including those facing barriers. It is part of our plan to ensure that everyone has a fair chance at success,” says the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour. “PLT Canada’s Green Jobs – Growing Skills project exemplifies how youth across Canada will be able to acquire skills and experience in a field they like to get a strong start in their careers.”

PLT Canada will work directly with employers through the SFI and Canadian Parks Council (CPC) networks to provide information and services that will support the hiring of more youth, particularly those facing barriers. Both of these networks have been essential in helping PLT Canada to reach its current achievements of supporting over 2,000 youth in green jobs positions across Canada. This new strategy will provide more flexible employment services and enhanced supports for all young Canadians. It will help youth develop the skills and gain the experience they need to successfully transition into the labour market and ensure that no one is left behind.

While all youth ages 15-30 are eligible, the Growing Skills project places a special emphasis on supporting Indigenous youth and youth from rural communities.

“Fostering youth success and passion for green jobs can only be considered a success if we address those barriers that restrict certain youth populations from accessing these great opportunities. This has been a priority for us at PLT Canada, and we’re proud that our Green Jobs program has achieved gender balance in what are often traditionally male-dominated industries and has had great success in matching Indigenous youth with employment opportunities,” says Kathy Abusow, President and CEO of PLT Canada. “We look forward to working with the federal government to grow the next generation of forest and conservation leaders.”

Minister Hajdu made the announcement in mid-July at a Green Ride for Green Jobs event in Thunder Bay. More than 50 people were on hand for the event, which garnered significant media coverage (view video from Thunder Bay News Watch). The cross?Canada Green Ride is promoting the types of careers that exist in the forest, conservation and parks sectors by meeting youth employed in the Green Jobs program and sharing their stories on social media.