The arrangement opens doors for Canadian and Icelandic youth between the ages of 18 and 30, offering them the opportunity to work and explore each other’s countries through the renowned International Experience Canada program or its Icelandic counterpart for up to 12 months.
The Government of Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to providing Canadian youth with invaluable international exposure and perspectives, especially in today’s increasingly interconnected global economy.
Exciting news awaits Canadian youth as they gain easier access to a brand-new destination for working and traveling abroad.
In a joint announcement, Marie-France Lalonde, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir, minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of Iceland, revealed the signing of a Youth Mobility Arrangement between Canada and Iceland.
The arrangement aims to open doors for Canadian and Icelandic youth between the ages of 18 and 30, offering them the opportunity to work and explore each other’s countries through the renowned International Experience Canada program or its Icelandic counterpart for up to 12 months. Participants will have the chance to repeat this enriching experience for an additional 12 months.
The governments of both nations foresee implementing the arrangement in 2024, pending the fulfillment of all requirements.
The development is set to revolutionize the options available to Canadian youth applying for international work and travel opportunities.
Apart from fostering strong bilateral ties built on shared values and people-to-people connections, the new Youth Mobility Arrangement also empowers Canadian and Icelandic youth to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, develop essential life skills, and enhance their future career prospects.
By investing in the potential of their youth, Canada and Iceland are taking strides toward building a more robust and interconnected global community.
Lalonde emphasized that youth mobility arrangements aim to support the aspirations, passions, and potential of young individuals.
“With this exciting arrangement in place, we are creating a path for them to connect, learn and grow together, fostering friendships and memories that will last a lifetime,” she said.
Sigurbjörnsdóttir also expressed delight in the signing of a youth mobility arrangement with Canada, specifically in Manitoba.
“Through this arrangement, Icelandic and Canadian youth will have the opportunity to work and travel in each other’s country, exploring new cultures while enhancing their life skills and improving career prospects,” she added.
Canada boasts the largest population of Icelandic immigrants and their descendants outside Iceland, with 101,990 individuals of Icelandic origin residing in the country as per the 2021 Census.
The IEC program is a reciprocal initiative that enables Canadian and international youth to work and travel in each other’s countries.
