On April 16, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, and the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Disability Inclusion, announced $12.8 million in funding for Project Learning Tree Canada to employ youth in nature conservation.

According to the press release, the funding is provided through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy and will help Project Learning Tree Canada hire 1,700 youth in nature conservation, such as forest restoration and tree planting. Through this partnership, opportunities for youth will be offered in a wide variety of settings, thanks to a broad network of forest and conservation partners in the Sustainable Forestry Initiative network, the Canadian Parks Council network, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and Ducks Unlimited Canada.

This investment will help young people begin careers in the conservation and forest sector, while preserving Canada’s natural heritage, combatting climate change, and helping to restore healthy, resilient ecosystems.

“Protecting more nature and equipping youth with the skills and experience they need to succeed are top priorities for the Government of Canada,” said the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson. “Today, I am pleased to see the merging of those priorities by employing youth in nature conservation. This project will provide 1,700 young Canadians with good employment opportunities, using nature-based solutions to fight climate change.”

“It’s vital that we help all young people find success in discovering and navigating green career pathways,” said Kathy Abusow, President and CEO, Project Learning Tree Canada. “We’re proud of the positive impact we continue to have through meaningful gender-balanced work experiences and our positive engagement of Indigenous, newcomer, and all youth that may need support accessing jobs across the country. We’re looking forward to working with Parks Canada in providing access to valuable opportunities for all youth, including those facing barriers, in the forest and conservation sector.”

Hiring for these positions runs until March 31, 2022. To stay updated, look at the Parks Canada (www.pc.gc.ca) and Project Learning Tree Canada (www.pltcanada.org).

“Young people are shaping Canada’s future with their enthusiasm and hard work,” the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources said. “They’re looking for green jobs and internships, so we’re providing them with opportunities to build a sustainable future.”