CEWIL Canada Statement on Budget 2025
Released November 4, 2025
Ottawa, ON – CEWIL Canada welcomes the federal government’s three-year commitment to work-integrated learning (WIL) in Budget 2025, announced today by Minister François-Philippe Champagne. This Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) support recognizes the essential role that WIL plays in preparing Canada’s future workforce and in addressing the country’s most pressing challenges—youth unemployment, affordability, technological change, and skills gap. Since its inception, CEWIL Canada’s iHUB has supported over 48,000 students with more than 10,000 industry and community partners across the country and across industries.
As economic uncertainty and rapid advances in artificial intelligence reshape the world of work, investments in WIL provide a clear return on investment. By linking education directly to practical experiences, WIL helps Canada’s youth develop the skills, confidence, and professional networks needed to succeed in a changing economy—while helping industry and community partners access the next generation of talent and innovation.
“CEWIL Canada applauds the Government of Canada for recognizing that WIL is a lever for workforce development and economic resilience. With youth unemployment at a record high, expanding access to WIL has never been more critical,” stated Charlene Marion, Executive Director. “We look forward to continued collaboration with the Government of Canada and the 24 SWPP and I-WIL delivery partners to ensure every student—regardless of discipline, region, or background—has access to a meaningful WIL experience.”
The funding announcement comes at a time when there is also strong public support for work-integrated learning. Recent Abacus Data research commissioned by CEWIL Canada underscores this strong public mandate:
• Nine in ten Canadians support federal investments to expand paid WIL opportunities, especially for small- and medium-sized businesses.
• 84% agree WIL builds a workforce better prepared for future needs.
• 87% believe WIL increases students’ confidence and employability after graduation.
Through meaningful collaborations like WIL between post-secondary institutions and industry and community partners, we can build a stronger, more innovative, and prosperous future for Canada’s youth.
About CEWIL Canada
CEWIL Canada is a non-profit organization committed to advancing inclusive and high-quality work-integrated learning opportunities for students across Canada. Through a community of over 160 organizations, representing over 1900 individuals, we partner with industry, community, educators, students, and policymakers to create pathways from education to meaningful employment.
For further information please contact our media contact:
Lamia Rochdi
Bilingual Marketing & Communication Coordinator
[email protected]
778.513.1429