Starting this summer, Canadian Army Reservists will have full time, summer employment for four years.

Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, made the announcement at the British Columbia Dragoons in Kelowna on Tuesday.

“Our government’s commitments to employment initiatives such as the Canadian Army’s Full-Time Summer Employment program, demonstrates another investment not only in Canadian youth, but also in Canadian army reserves,” said Sajjan.

New and recently enrolled reservists will have the opportunity to work full time from May 1 to Aug. 31 each summer.

MP Stephen Fuhr said the government was "introducing a new program that will help ensure the reserve force can reach its full potential"

During their time as reservists, soldiers will gain unique and relevant work experience while learning valuable life and leadership skills.

“(The program) guarantees four years of summer employment,” he said. “Before, that wasn’t the case.”

Sajjan said this will provide flexibility for the reserve unit, allowing for more people to be utilized.

“Right here in Kelowna, great work is already being done to grow the reserve force. The Dragoons have the honour of actually being the first Western unit to receive a TAP-V armour vehicle,” he said.

According to Sajjan, the program is fully funded, but did not say what the budget is.

The program is expected to start this summer.