A Milestone Moment: Federal Budget Commits $40M to Launch a National Youth Climate Corps

November 5, 2025, Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC) celebrates the federal government’s commitment of $40 million over two years to establish a national Youth Climate Corps, as announced in the Budget 2025 - Canada Strong released November 4th. 

While the federal budget has not yet passed in the House of Commons, this commitment represents a significant step forward toward scaling a national model that connects youth employment, community resilience, and climate action.

This investment marks the first time that the federal government has recognized a national Youth Climate Corps initiative, a milestone years in the making. It reflects the tireless work of youth, community organizations, and partners across the country who have demonstrated that youth-led, community-based climate employment is one of the most effective ways to address both the climate crisis and the youth employment crisis.

“Youth Climate Corps BC is extremely pleased to see the Government of Canada’s commitment of $40 million over two years to launch a national Youth Climate Corps. This is an important and encouraging first step at a time when youth unemployment is at a decade high and communities across the country continue to face the growing impacts of the climate crisis…”

Since 2020, YCCBC has created hundreds of living-wage green jobs across British Columbia. Youth crews have supported wildfire mitigation, energy efficiency retrofits, ecosystem restoration, and community education projects, all while building career-ready skills and helping local governments and Indigenous Nations meet their climate goals.

“We look forward to working with the Government of Canada and partners across the country to help design and implement an effective, community-driven national Youth Climate Corps that meets the needs of youth and communities alike.”

What Comes Next

The announcement sets the stage for the development of a national model, informed by existing programs like YCCBC. In the coming months, YCCBC will continue to engage with federal partners, youth, and local organizations to support an inclusive, effective rollout that reflects the diversity and needs of communities across Canada.

Let’s continue to advocate together, sign our petition calling for Good Green Jobs for Every Youth and help ensure this commitment translates into lasting opportunities for young people and communities nationwide.