MP Fisher announces over $5 million to support local youth at Clean Foundation
From: Environment and Climate Change Canada
News release
August 29, 2022 – Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
For youth entering the labour market, it can be challenging to get their start in their chosen field where they can gain experience and learn the skills needed to kick-off a rewarding career.
Today, Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, announced on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (ECCC), the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, a contribution of $5,194,250 to Clean Foundation’s Science Horizons Internship Program for two years, ending in 2023.
This funding is helping Clean Foundation employ 201 interns over two years in their mission to support the fair transition to a cleaner economy and greener society.
Clean Foundation works collaboratively with many partners to:
- Reduce energy poverty
- Promote social equity and support historically marginalized communities
- Develop the clean economy workforce
- Protect the natural environment
- Educate and promote action on climate change
Funding comes from ECCC’s Science Horizons Youth Internship Program that is helping to create more than 450 internship opportunities for 2022-2023 for recent graduates in partnership with environmental science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) employers across Canada. Interns bring creativity, new knowledge, dedication, and enthusiasm to their jobs. This will give young people the opportunity to gain valuable experience to actively participate in the workforce.
This is just one of several Government of Canada initiatives to support youth as they develop new skills and enter the workforce. It complements programs such as the Innovative Work‑Integrated Learning Initiative, Volunteer Opportunities for Youth, and the Canada Service Corps. Environment and Climate Change Canada is also engaging young Canadians in leading the fight against climate change through the new Environment and Climate Change Youth Council, whose members were announced last week.
Quotes
“We’re working with great partners like Nova Scotia’s Clean Foundation to give young people the opportunities and tools they need to contribute and help lead the transition to a clean and green economy. Our government’s investment is helping 201 young Canadians launch their careers to build a better future for everyone.”
– Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors,
and Member of Parliament, Dartmouth—Cole Harbour
“The program is an exciting opportunity for both interns and employers. These internships have been, for many of our youth, their very first job after graduating. By supporting young people today, we can help ensure they have opportunities to get the necessary experience to help build Canada’s future workforce as we work to build a net-zero future. Our government is ensuring we build a greener tomorrow by creating an economy—and a society—that is stronger, more sustainable, and more resilient than before.”
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“The clean economy is a vital sector that is integral to helping us all mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. Today’s announcement will allow Clean to help support new opportunities and build capacity amongst employers and interns in the clean economy workforce. We’re excited to continue to support both employers and youth across Canada who are ready for meaningful job roles where they support a cleaner future.”
– Scott Skinner, President & CEO, Clean Foundation
Quick facts
- The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program has been in place for twenty-five years and has delivered over 7,850 internship opportunities in Canada. The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program is organized by independent, third-party organizations (delivery agents).
- For each intern hired, up to $25,000 in Science Horizons Youth Internship Program funding is available to employers for wage subsidies and up to $5,000 in funding for supporting services, such as skills development, training, and job accessibility, for each intern they hire.
- Funding is part of a $109.3 million investment under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy to help young people, including those who may face more complex barriers to employment, and who may have been driven further from the labour force due to the pandemic, gain the skills and experience needed to find and keep quality work.
Associated links
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Contacts
Kaitlin Power
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
819-230-1557
Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)