Deadline change for summer job funding
Employers and organizations that apply to the federal government for summer job funding have to meet an earlier deadline than in past years.
Service Canada has changed the deadline for Canada Summer Jobs 2014. Beginning December 2, 2013, Canada summer jobs applications will be available at Service Canada Centres and online. Applications must be submitted no later than January 10, 2014.
Service Canada says the new dates will allow employers to be notified of their application status earlier.
The program helps to create job opportunities for students aged 15 to 30 years. Funding is provided to non-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses to assist with hiring students who will be returning to full-time studies in the next school year.
Hydro hikes
BC’s government has announced a 28 per cent electricity rate hike over five years, with a nine per cent jump coming April 1, 2014. The rate hikes are part of a 10-year plan to keep rates as low as possible, while still allowing BC Hydro to invest in infrastructure and future power projects, according to Bill Bennett, minister of energy and mines.
The province must get the approval of the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) for the first five rate increases, which start at nine per cent in the first year and compound to 28 per cent by 2019. The BCUC will then be responsible for setting any subsequent rate increases in the final five years of the plan.
