Nature Canada has launched a new wage subsidy program, Work to Grow, for nature organizations to employ BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) youth. Racialized youth face unique barriers in developing experience and finding jobs in nature-related activities. The lack of racialized people working in conservation and nature organizations is a barrier to youth seeing themselves in those roles. Building a strong nature community that values, engages and ultimately mobilizes millions of nature lovers across the country means it is crucial that we engage all perspectives and all communities.
Nature Canada is currently accepting applications for the wage subsidy, through which Nature Canada will:
- provide a 50% wage subsidy to increase your capacity to hire youth aged 15-30, at $17.50/hour for up to 35 hours/week, for between 8 and 16 weeks, until March 2022.
- create learning and community-building opportunities
- raise the profile of program partners and lift up the voices of BIPOC youth participants through their communications avenues.
If you are interested on being a hosting organization, you will commit to:
- providing an opportunity for youth to be exposed to a variety of meaningful work in nature conservation or appreciation
- having capacity to provide mentorship and support to youth
- showing interest or experience with equity, and anti-racism initiatives
- being willing to support youth in participating in program-wide initiatives
- having financial resources to pay the remaining wage cost.
Applications are being accepted from employers on an ongoing basis. Youth can learn more about how to get involved and browse jobs available through the program here.
