Indian-origin minister from Brampton secures $900,000 for summer jobs program
Focusing on the future of Canada’s youth, Maninder Sidhu, an Indian-origin minister from Brampton has secured $900,000 in federal funding to secure 200 summer jobs in his constituency.
Sidhu, the MP for Brampton East who serves as the federal Minister for International Trade, took to social media to make the announcement public during a visit to the Indian Line Campground and Claireville Conservation Area organized by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
On X, Sidhu said he was “proud to have secured $900,000 in federal funding to support over 200 summer jobs right here in Brampton East! I stopped by two local sites in Brampton East to hear directly from young Canadians about how this program is helping them build skills, gain experience, and shape their futures. Thanks to the TRCA for the warm welcome!”
TRCA added, “Minister Sidhu met with our amazing new and returning Canada Summer Jobs staff, hired through the federal program that supports youth employment and helps TRCA deliver the parks, programs, and services our communities love.
“Thank you, Minister Sidhu, for your support and for helping create meaningful opportunities for youth to connect with nature and gain valuable work experience!”
Who is Maninder Sidhu?
The Indian-origin minister from Brampton was appointed Minister for International Trade to serve on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet, replacing Dominic LeBlanc, who had previously held that post when Justin Trudeau was Prime Minister. This is not Sidhu’s first federal posting: in 2021, he was named Parliamentary Secretary for International Development.
He has also served as a member of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. He is also an active member of several parliamentary associations and interparliamentary groups, including the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association, the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association, and the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas.
Sidhu was first elected Liberal MP for Brampton East during the 2019 Canadian federal election, holding that position in 2021 and again in 2025.
Trade missions across Canada and the rest of the world
🇨🇦✈️ Exciting news – I’m bringing Canadian businesses to Italy on a #CanadaTradeMission from October 12–17, 2025!
Canada and Italy exchange more than $15B in goods and services annually, and our bilateral trade directly supports thousands of jobs across Canada.
Now is your… pic.twitter.com/zWKRNTjrje
— Maninder Sidhu (@MSidhuLiberal) July 28, 2025
Sidhu’s position has seen him aim to foster trade and break down barriers to commerce across Canada, as Carney aims to merge 13 local economies into a single entity, and forge stronger trade agreements with other countries.
In July, Sidhu visited British Columbia to encourage trade diversification and help businesses reach new markets, meeting with fellow Indian-origin minister Ravi Kahlon, BC Minister for Jobs and Economic Growth, and the chair of the Cabinet Committee on Tariff Response.
Later this year, he will be travelling to Italy on a Canadian trade mission.
“October 12th to the 17th, we will be taking a delegation from Canada, showcasing Canadian innovation and expertise,” he said. “Reach out to the Trade Commissioner for services.”