The Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2026 application period for employers has officially begun. From now until 11:59 p.m. PST on December 11, 2025, employers can apply for funding to hire youth next summer.
CSJ provides wage subsidies to help employers hire youth aged 15 to 30 so they can meet workforce needs during the busy summer months. CSJ 2026 will support around 100,000 summer jobs for youth across Canada.
Why apply?
• Wage subsidies: Public and private employers can receive a wage subsidy of up to 50% of the provincial or territorial minimum wage, while not-for-profits can receive up to 100%.
• Access young talent: Hiring a young person in the community demonstrates leadership, pride, and a commitment to building a strong local economy. Young workers are eager to learn and quick to adapt, bringing fresh ideas and valuable skills that can help organizations thrive.
Who can apply?
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Employers from the public sector
• Private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees across Canada
How to apply
Applications can be submitted via the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) portal. Creating a GCOS account is a one-time process that allows employers to apply for various funding opportunities with Employment and Social Development Canada in a secure web environment. Once the GCOS account has been created, the CSJ application can be submitted. For more information on the application process, visit the CSJ website.
CSJ program priorities
The CSJ program focuses on supporting job opportunities for youth, especially those who face barriers to employment. This includes youth with disabilities, Black and racialized youth, Indigenous youth, 2SLGBTQI+ youth, youth in rural and remote areas, and youth in official language minority communities.
Additionally, each year, the Government establishes national priorities for CSJ to reflect Canada’s evolving needs. CSJ 2026 will prioritize employers who can provide job opportunities that offer youth experience related to the following high-demand sectors:
• Construction
• Green jobs and environmental protection
• Technology and digital skills, including opportunities to develop foundational artificial intelligence skills in the workplace
Employers in other sectors are also encouraged to apply.
The assessment of applications will also take into account support of local priorities established for each constituency by Members of Parliament. In Sackville–Bedford–Preston, local priorities include children and/or youth, community-based organizations, not-for-profit organizations, small businesses, arts, culture and recreation.
Employers are encouraged to submit applications that support and complement this year’s priorities. Summer jobs provide valuable experiences that foster independence, teamwork, and resilience. Participation in CSJ helps young people in the community develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the workplace, while also meeting organizational needs—a win for everyone.
For more information about CSJ 2026, including eligibility criteria and the information required to submit an application, visit Canada.ca/canadasummerjobs, a Service Canada office, or call 1-800-935-5555.
Let’s work together to create meaningful summer experiences for youth in the community!
