Canada Summer Jobs Advocacy Update: Meeting with Employment and Social Development Canada
Overview
The Canadian Camps Association met directly with the Deputy Director of Policy for the Minister of Jobs and Families. The purpose of this meeting was to formally present the findings from our national snap poll and deliver our briefing package regarding the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program.
The meeting was positive, open, and constructive. ESDC expressed genuine gratitude for our sector's data and qualitative feedback, recognizing the huge role camps play in youth employment, community care, and inclusion.
1. Core Program Status: CSJ is Continuing
We received explicit, direct confirmation that the Canada Summer Jobs program is continuing.
Recent budget language from Employment and Social Development Canada created some confusion across the sector. ESDC clarified that the wording referred strictly to the scheduled sunsetting of a temporary, one-time investment expansion.
The core baseline CSJ program remains fully secure moving forward.
2. Vital Operational Insights: How to Protect Your Funding
ESDC shared critical information regarding how funding allocations and predictability are determined behind the scenes. Every camp director should take note of the following points to maximize future grant approvals:
Utilization Rates Matter Most: ESDC tracks an organization's year-over-year execution closely. Camps that fully fill and use 100% of the funded positions they are granted build a strong track record. High utilization directly improves your likelihood of receiving repeat or expanded funding in future cycles.
Complete Administrative Closeouts Promptly: Meeting all post-program paperwork deadlines is essential. Specifically, submitting your Payment Claim and Activity Report (PCAR) on time is required to maintain a good compliance rating with Service Canada.
How to Score Well on Applications: National Priorities represent just one envelope of the application score. Camps can score very well by focusing heavily on job quality, clear commitments to equity and diversity hiring, and establishing strong ties to local riding priorities.
3. Progress on Sector Refinement Requests
We walked ESDC through our primary policy suggestions based on member camp’s feedback:
Earlier Approval Timelines (Q1): We emphasized the operational stress and budget uncertainty caused by late spring approval dates. ESDC noted that other sectors are raising the same concerns and expressed an understanding of the planning risks faced by non-profit operators.
Contract Flexibility & Split Positions: We presented member’s feedback to which asked for 8-week grants to be split between two youth or reallocated across job titles. ESDC was open to learning more about staff retention realities, though they asked for further evidence showing that shorter placements still deliver strong youth development outcomes. CCA will gather data to investigate this more.
Application & Portal Support: We discussed user challenges with the digital application platform. In response, CCA agreed to explore offering application and administrative guidance for member camps ahead of upcoming intake windows.
Action Items for Camp Directors
Submit Your PCAR On Time: Ensure your post-program Payment Claim and Activity Report is filled out and submitted within the required timeframe following the end of your summer season.
If member camps have feedback regarding the PCAR itself, please reach out to the CCA to have your feedback heard - info@ccamping.org
Fully Use Approved Positions: Avoid letting approved CSJ hours go unused. Full utilization directly protects your funding standing for next year.
Stay Tuned for CCA Resources: We will share application support tools and education prior to the next CSJ intake period.