Every year, one of the things I look forward to most during the summer is the opportunity to visit as many of the local organizations and employers participating in the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program as possible. Seeing young people gaining valuable work experience while helping deliver programs that bring our community together is always one of the highlights of my summer.
The Canada Summer Jobs program provides funding to help employers hire youth between the ages of 15 and 30, giving them the opportunity to develop new skills, gain meaningful work experience, and explore future career paths. At the same time, the program helps community organizations expand the services they provide to families throughout Saint-Léonard–Saint-Michel.
This summer, I had the pleasure of visiting several outstanding organizations benefiting from the program, including NSK, BADR, Maison d'Haïti, and Camp Allegria at the Leonardo da Vinci Centre.
Each visit was a wonderful reminder of the positive impact these organizations have on the lives of young people and families in our community. Whether through summer camps, recreational activities, educational programming, or cultural experiences, they provide safe, welcoming spaces where children can learn, grow, build confidence, discover new interests, and create lasting friendships.
I also had the opportunity to meet many of the young people employed through the Canada Summer Jobs program. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment to serving our community demonstrate the tremendous value of giving youth meaningful employment opportunities. At the same time, local organizations benefit from their energy and fresh perspectives, allowing them to offer even more programs and services throughout the summer.
Programs like Canada Summer Jobs continue to make a real difference by investing in young people while supporting the organizations that enrich our neighbourhoods. I want to thank every employer, supervisor, staff member, and Canada Summer Jobs participant for helping make this summer a success. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Saint-Léonard–Saint-Michel for generations to come.