Government of Canada: $23 Million in New Investment — 35 Projects to Help 1,600 Youth Overcome Barriers to Employment

Source: Employment and Social Development Canada (canada.ca)    |    Date: February 27, 2025

The Government of Canada announced over $23 million in new investment through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) Program, supporting 35+ new projects to help 1,600 youth facing barriers to employment. The total YESS investment stands at over $393 million for 2024–28. In 2024, youth aged 15–24 had an unemployment rate of 13.2% — more than double the rate for core-aged adults. For youth with disabilities the 2023 rate was 15.8%. The Government's own announcement acknowledges the YESS investment meets less than 20% of total demand for youth employment support across Canada. That gap — between what formal programs can deliver and what this community's young people need — is precisely the space where business community investment, of the kind Madad Business Community mobilizes, makes its most decisive contribution.

Key Fact: In 2024, Canadian youth aged 15–24 had an unemployment rate of 13.2% vs. 5.4% for core-aged adults — and formal program investment meets less than 20% of total demand. (Government of Canada, February 2025)

Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2025/02/government-of-canada-boosts-funding-to-help-1600-youth-across-canada-overcome-barriers-to-employment.html