I want to take the time to share some programs that create job opportunities for young Canadians this summer.
Canada Summer Jobs Program
The federal government has now posted their summer job listings on the federal Job Bank as apart of their annual Canada Summer Jobs program! There are almost 100,000 full-time job openings across Canada. This program is meant to help younger people in Canada gain more work experience.
To apply, you must be between the ages of 15-30 at the start of employment, and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have been granted refugee protection through the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Applications are open until July 20th. You can search the available summer jobs here: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/youth
Indigenous Youth Work Exchange Program
This program gives Indigenous youth an 8 week summer placement for up to three summers in a row.
You are eligible to apply if you self-identify as Indigenous, are a student who is at least 15 years old, and are eligible to work in Canada.
To apply for the program, contact: MNRYouthPrograms@ontario.ca
Start a Summer Company
Ontario offers a program that helps high school, college, and university students start their own business over the summer! You could receive start-up money of up to $3,000 to kick off your business idea, as well as advice and mentorship on how to run your business.
To be eligible for the program, you must be between 15-29 years old, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, do not already have a running business, are not working at another job for over 12 hours a week during the summer, and are returning to school after the summer.
You can apply for this program at a Small Business Enterprise Centre. There is one located at Cambridge City Hall, Waterloo City Hall, and at the SDG idea factory in Kitchener. This year registration closes on May 15.
Youth Job Connection: Summer Program
This program offers help finding summer jobs for students who are facing challenges such as poverty, homelessness, or live with a disability or mental health issue. As part of this program, you can receive up to 20 hours of paid training for the job, and help transitioning back to school at the end of the summer.
To be eligible for the program, you must be 15-18 years old.
Contact Employment Ontario for more information about jobs offered in your area for this program at: contactEO@ontario.ca
Summer Job Opportunities with the Ontario Public Service (OPS)
The provincial government helps up to 5,000 students gain summer jobs with the OPS every year! All jobs are full-time and range from 7-18 weeks in length.
To apply you must be either a high school or post-secondary student or have graduated in the past 6 months, at least 15 years old but some jobs may require you to be at least 18 years old, living in Ontario, and legally able to work in Canada.
Check out what jobs are available here! Application deadlines are job specific but overall application period closes on June 1, 2026.
Cambridge Youth Resources Page
Cambridge has just launched their youth resources page to connect students with programs, supports, and employment opportunities. It includes a list of free events held at the Cambridge Public Library such as a networking event and a career planning session.
Notable job seeking resources include EmployNext and Starling Community Services. Both of these resources can connect you with employers that are hiring, help you with your resume, and provide training and skills development opportunities!
Eligibility is based on the program or service you are accessing, but resources are generally aimed at high school and post-secondary students.
If you are a student having trouble finding a summer job, feel free to contact my office and we will help in any way we can!