College and University Students Face Shortage of Summer Jobs

Canada’s college and university students may struggle to find work this summer.

The weather may be heating up, but the market isn’t for students looking for summer jobs. Despite help from the government, Canada’s college and university students may struggle to find work this summer.

Statistics Canada reports that last month’s student unemployment level was around 15 per cent. That’s better than May of 2010’s 16.5 per cent, but the employment rate for students is still 8 per cent lower than it was prior to the recession.

To combat this, the federal government is doing their part. They’re increasing their commitment and funding for student jobs, and recently announced they’re creating over 36,000 student jobs thanks to the Canada Summer Jobs program.

“Our Government has received a strong mandate from Canadians to continue creating jobs and economic growth,” said The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

“That’s why, starting in 2011, we have permanently increased the budget for Canada Summer Jobs by $10 million. The additional funding will create as many as 3,500 additional jobs for students this summer, benefitting communities and strengthening local economies right across Canada.”

Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada program that gives funding to businesses with less than 50 employees to create summer job opportunities for young full-time students.