The Manitoba government is providing $9 million this year for the province’s Green Team program that gives young Manitobans work in the summer months.

Green Team grants are awarded to non-profit organizations, education authorities, Northern Affairs Community Councils (NACC) and municipal governments to hire youth between the ages of 15 and 29 to work on community projects between May and September.

The funding is provided to improve neighbourhoods, promote community involvement and help develop young leaders.

The projects also stimulate local economic activity and improve job creation in urban and rural communities, particularly through the recovery from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Priorities for the 2022 summer season focus on:
• community-based organizations and municipal governments which can offer full-time employment opportunities for youth;
• projects which support COVID-19 response and recovery efforts; and
• projects which can demonstrate community need and partnerships.

This year, approximately 700 projects across the province will receive funding for the program, with more than 2,200 youth expected to receive work.

The program funds 100 per cent of wage costs for non-profit organizations, education authorities and NACCs and 50 per cent of wage costs for municipalities on a cost-shared basis.

The first Green Team projects for 2022 are planned to begin in May.