CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwire) -- 01/10/13 -- The Harper Government has officially launched Canada Summer Jobs 2013, which will create up to 36 000 job opportunities for students across the country. The Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance) and Member of Parliament for Macleod, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

"Our Government's top priorities are job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity," said Minister Menzies. "Our continued investment in Canada Summer Jobs will create thousands of jobs for students this summer, strengthening the local economies of communities right across Canada."

Canada Summer Jobs benefits employers and students alike. Students gain tangible work experience and earn money for the upcoming school year.

Funding will be available for not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses to create high-quality summer job opportunities for young people from 15 to 30 years of age who are full-time students intending to return to their studies in the next school year.

"Today's students are tomorrow's workforce, so by investing in them we are helping contribute to Canada's long-term growth, competitiveness and overall prosperity," added Minister Menzies.

Beginning February 1, 2013, Canada Summer Jobs applications will be available for interested employers online at servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2013 and at Service Canada Centres. Employers will be able to complete and submit their applications online, by mail or in person. Applications must be submitted between February 1 and February 28, 2013.

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

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Canada Summer Jobs provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to help create summer job opportunities for students.

Not-for-profit employers are eligible for up to 100 percent of the provincial/territorial minimum hourly wage and mandatory employment-related costs. Public-sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees are eligible for up to 50 percent of the provincial/territorial minimum hourly wage.

As of February 1, interested employers can apply online at servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2013.

Canada Summer Jobs is part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES). YES is the Government of Canada's commitment to helping youth make a successful transition to the workplace. With an annual budget of more than $300 million, YES helps youth, particularly those facing barriers to employment, obtain career information, develop employment skills, find jobs and stay employed.

Through Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government of Canada is providing an additional $50 million over two years to enhance YES through a new initiative that will connect young Canadians with jobs that are in high demand and help them develop tangible skills and gain work experience.

To learn more about Canada's Youth Employment Strategy and other youth employment initiatives, visit Youth.gc.ca.