Young Canadians and Icelanders will soon be able to work in each other's countries
Canada and Iceland have signed an agreement on youth mobility.
The Canadian government is committed to providing opportunities for young people in Canada to experience working and living abroad, as this opens up new perspectives for young people. Canada recognizes the importance of citizen mobility, especially in today's global economy. That's why, for example, last month the Canadian and British governments signed a new youth mobility agreement. And this week, it was announced that young Canadians will have another foreign destination to work in.
Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to Canada's Minister of Immigration, and Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir, Iceland's Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, announced the signing of a new agreement on youth mobility between the countries. Under the agreement, young Icelanders between the ages of 18 and 30 will be able to go to work in Canada through the International Experience Canada program, while Canadians of the same age will be able to go to work in Iceland through a similar Icelandic program. Canadians and Irish people will be able to stay in each other's countries under the new mobility program for up to 12 months, with the possibility of repeating the experience later for another 12 months.
The agreement is scheduled to enter into force in 2024, after all requirements have been met. The agreement strengthens the strong ties between Canada and Iceland, which are based on shared values. Canadian and Irish youth will now have the opportunity to experience a new culture, develop important skills, earn interesting personal and professional experiences, and potentially improve their employment prospects. By investing in the potential of their youth, the governments of Canada and Iceland are working to build a stronger and more connected global community.
