GATINEAU, QC, Aug. 12,
2024 /CNW/ - The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for
Women and Gender Equality and Youth, issued the following statement
to mark International Youth Day:
"On International Youth Day, we celebrate the passion young
people in Canada have for their
communities and for making Canada
and the world around us a better place. Canada's young people are one of our greatest
strengths, and it is important to take a moment to appreciate their
contributions.
This year's International Youth Day theme, "From Clicks to
Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development," is
an opportunity to acknowledge the ways technology can help address
the challenges in our world today, and how young people are at the
forefront of matching technological solutions with pressing
problems.
Technology continues to evolve in ways we might never have
imagined, and young people are leading the way in creating and
using technology. Therefore, it is now more important than ever
that the next generation of workers be equipped and empowered with
the tools to bring forth their innovations and ideas, leverage
their creativity and achieve success in an increasingly digital
world. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to supporting young people
in developing digital and other relevant skills for the future
through a suite of initiatives aimed at reaching as many young
people as possible.
The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, a horizontal
initiative delivered in partnership with 12 federal departments,
agencies and Crown corporations, helps Canadian youth aged 15 to 30
develop the skills and gain the experience they need to
successfully transition into the labour market.
Through the Canada Summer Jobs
program, we are providing over 70,000 job placements for young
people across Canada this year
alone, including opportunities in sustainable development and the
digital skills sector.
The Student Work Placement Program is helping post-secondary
students acquire new skills through hands-on work opportunities
across various sectors, including in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM), information and communication
technology (ICT) and media production.
Finally, the Canada Service Corps funds organizations that help
youth find meaningful and unique volunteer opportunities. With this
hands-on experience, young people are taking action to create a
better future for themselves, their families and their
communities.
It is inspiring to see the enthusiasm and devotion of young
Canadians, who are gaining the skills they need to achieve their
goals and build a better and more sustainable world now and for the
future.
Happy International Youth Day!"
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada