QUEEN’S PARK –– Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Finance Jessica Bell (University––Rosedale) has unveiled the party’s Youth Climate Jobs plan, targeted at fighting climate change while creating green jobs of the future for Ontario’s youth.
Participants aged 18-25 would receive a one-to-two-year job, a living wage, on the job training, and college, university, or apprenticeship credit. Government departments and agencies, municipalities, non-profits, and businesses would be eligible to apply to employ youth in climate jobs, with organizations allowed to provide top-up wages to the employee.
“Doug Ford has given up on climate change and our youth,” said Bell. “He has abandoned Ontario’s climate change targets, and allowed youth unemployment to soar to some of the highest numbers in Canada.
“We need a plan that delivers a green, prosperous future for Ontario. By building a green economy on the foundation of good, green jobs, we can create a more sustainable future for our planet, and for our kids.
“If Doug Ford won’t fight for our future, Ontario New Democrats will. Our Youth Climate Jobs program is ready to be implemented, and employ up to 10,000 young people each year to reduce emissions to net-zero, while adapting to extreme weather and responding to climate emergencies.”