Wage subsidies
May offset part of a worker’s wages for a defined period, often with eligible worker or training conditions.
Employer support directory · Canada
Find support behind your next hire.
Search official wage subsidies, hiring programs and training grants by province. Federal listings stay in view wherever you hire.
Read the support type
Three ways programs may help
Program rules decide what costs count. Most supports require approval before a hire or course begins.
Hiring supports
Can help employers create placements, match with candidates or support a new hire’s early training.
Training grants
May reimburse approved course, instructor or training costs; ordinary payroll and general business costs may not qualify.
Searches program names, support types, eligibility, benefits and intake notes.
Official program pages · checked October 13, 2026
Browse the directory
22 programs found
General guidance only. Eligibility, available funds and intake dates can change. Confirm details with the program administrator before budgeting or hiring. A listing is not a promise that your business or worker qualifies, or that funding is open.
Federal · Wage subsidyProgram details
Eligible locations: All 10 provinces
Student Work Placement Program
What it may support
Paid work-integrated learning placements for post-secondary students, including co-ops and internships.
Who may qualify
Employers offering eligible placements to post-secondary students apply through one of the Government of Canada’s funded delivery partners.
Amount or benefit, when stated
Up to $5,000 for each student work placement, as stated on the federal employer page.
Intake and timing
Employers can apply year-round through participating delivery organizations. Partner criteria and remaining funds can differ.
Official source: Government of Canada (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Federal · Tax creditProgram details
Eligible locations: All 10 provinces
Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit
What it may support
Eligible wages paid to an apprentice during the first two years of a registered apprenticeship contract in a prescribed trade.
Who may qualify
Employers paying an eligible apprentice in a Red Seal trade under a registered federal, provincial or territorial apprenticeship contract.
Amount or benefit, when stated
A non-refundable credit equal to 10% of eligible salary and wages, up to $2,000 per apprentice per year.
Intake and timing
Claim through the applicable tax return; this is a tax credit, not an application-based grant.
Official source: Canada Revenue Agency (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Federal · Wage subsidyIntake closed
Eligible locations: All 10 provinces
Canada Summer Jobs
What it may support
Wages for quality, full-time summer jobs for youth aged 15 to 30.
Who may qualify
Not-for-profit and public-sector employers, plus private-sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees across Canada.
Amount or benefit, when stated
For the 2026 cycle: not-for-profits could receive up to 100% of the adult minimum wage plus eligible employment costs; public and private employers up to 50% of the adult minimum wage.
Intake and timing
The 2026 application and summer work period have ended. The official guide lists December 11, 2025 as the application deadline and August 29, 2026 as the latest job end date; the next intake date is not posted there.
Official source: Government of Canada (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
British Columbia · Training grantCheck availability
Eligible locations: British Columbia
B.C. Employer Training Grant
What it may support
Eligible job-related training for current employees and prospective hires, including training that leads to a job, better job or greater job security.
Who may qualify
Small, medium and large B.C. enterprises. Participant and course rules apply; the provincial program page lists citizenship and work-status limits.
Amount or benefit, when stated
The province reimburses 80% of eligible training costs, up to $10,000 per participant and $300,000 per employer per fiscal year.
Intake and timing
Applications are made through the provincial Skills Training Grants System. The program prioritizes applications and says some may be returned unassessed depending on funding availability.
Official source: WorkBC (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
British Columbia · Wage subsidyProgram details
Eligible locations: British Columbia
WorkBC Wage Subsidy
What it may support
A portion of wages for up to 24 weeks while a new employee receives on-the-job training and coaching.
Who may qualify
Employers matched with WorkBC clients who need work experience and training; the employer must provide supervision and support.
Amount or benefit, when stated
A portion of employee wages for up to 24 weeks; the current employer page does not state a standard dollar amount.
Intake and timing
WorkBC provides an employer application route and asks employers to connect with a WorkBC Centre for a suitable candidate. Individual eligibility is assessed by the program.
Official source: WorkBC (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Alberta · Training grantProgram details
Eligible locations: Alberta
Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant
What it may support
Direct costs for instructor-led training related to business process and operations, digital or technology, and technical skills.
Who may qualify
Eligible Alberta businesses and organizations training current or prospective employees who live in Alberta and meet the program's work-status criteria.
Amount or benefit, when stated
The province covers 75% of eligible training costs, up to $5,000 per employed trainee per fiscal year; an employer can receive up to $100,000 per fiscal year.
Intake and timing
The provincial program page provides an employer portal and says applications must be completed before training starts. No closing date is listed.
Official source: Government of Alberta (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Saskatchewan · Training grantCheck availability
Eligible locations: Saskatchewan
Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant
What it may support
Third-party training for an unemployed or underemployed candidate where the employer has a job available after training.
Who may qualify
Employers select the candidate and training, use an eligible third-party training institution, and contribute to the training costs.
Amount or benefit, when stated
The provincial information page describes government support for the remaining two-thirds of training costs, up to $10,000.
Intake and timing
The official program page does not show a current application window or remaining-funds status. Confirm availability with Saskatchewan Employer Services before committing costs.
Official source: Government of Saskatchewan (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Saskatchewan · Training grantCheck availability
Eligible locations: Saskatchewan
Canada-Saskatchewan Workforce Tariff Response
What it may support
Employer-driven training to help tariff-affected sectors retain workers, reskill staff and respond to business disruption.
Who may qualify
Employers operating in listed tariff-impacted industries, including steel, forestry, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, mining, transport and wholesale trade.
Amount or benefit, when stated
The official employer page describes the initiative but does not publish a per-employer award amount.
Intake and timing
The province describes a three-year initiative. It does not publish an employer application deadline on this page; contact SaskJobs for current intake details.
Official source: Government of Saskatchewan (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Manitoba · Training grantProgram details
Eligible locations: Manitoba
Building Up Manitoba Program (BUMP)
What it may support
Employee training, in-house or external, and external help to develop an HR strategy or workforce training plan.
Who may qualify
Eligible Manitoba employers with fewer than 500 full-time-equivalent employees, established in the province and operational for at least one year.
Amount or benefit, when stated
A 50% cost-shared program: up to $10,000 per employee for training, up to $25,000 for HR strategy work, and up to $100,000 total per employer.
Intake and timing
The province says applications are accepted continuously. Training must take place in the current fiscal year, and funding is subject to approval.
Official source: Government of Manitoba (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Manitoba · Training grantProgram details
Eligible locations: Manitoba
Canada-Manitoba Workforce Tariff Response: Employee Training
What it may support
Direct training costs to retain or upskill workers, plus potential wage reimbursement while an at-risk employee trains.
Who may qualify
Established Manitoba employers in listed tariff-affected industries. Wage reimbursement is limited to employers showing at least a 10% tariff-related revenue decline and workers at risk of job loss.
Amount or benefit, when stated
Up to 100% of eligible direct training costs. The wage subsidy may reimburse up to 100% of training-period wages for qualifying employers.
Intake and timing
The province says applications are accepted continuously; an intake form and eligibility screening are required before a full application.
Official source: Government of Manitoba (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Ontario · Training grantProgram details
Eligible locations: Ontario
Ontario Job Grant
What it may support
Eligible third-party training for current employees or new hires with an identified job opportunity.
Who may qualify
Individual private and non-profit employers carrying on business in Ontario for at least one year; training is limited to 25 or fewer participants per current application.
Amount or benefit, when stated
Up to $10,000 per trainee. Employers with fewer than 100 employees may qualify for up to $15,000 per previously unemployed new hire, with no minimum cost share for that training.
Intake and timing
The ministry says applications are accepted year-round and is currently accepting individual-employer applications for projects with up to 25 participants. Funding is not guaranteed.
Official source: Government of Ontario (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Ontario · Hiring supportProgram details
Eligible locations: Ontario
Skills Advance Ontario
What it may support
Sector-based projects that connect employers with training and employment services to hire, upskill, reskill or retain workers.
Who may qualify
Employer applicants or eligible service-provider partners in Ontario, including employers with workforce needs in high-potential or tariff-affected sectors.
Amount or benefit, when stated
The program funds approved project costs; the current program page does not state a standard per-employer award amount.
Intake and timing
The province says applications are open with no set deadline, until program funds are allocated. Employer projects must use a qualified training partner.
Official source: Government of Ontario (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Quebec · Wage subsidyCheck availability
Eligible locations: Quebec
Un premier emploi pour toi! (A first job for you!)
What it may support
Part of the wages for hiring and integrating a recent graduate into a job related to their field of study; coaching support may also be available.
Who may qualify
Primarily small and medium-sized businesses and non-profit organizations hiring an actively job-seeking graduate aged 16 to 30, with an eligible diploma earned between April 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026.
Amount or benefit, when stated
Up to 50% of gross wages for a private employer, or up to 100% for a non-profit, for up to 16 weeks; the subsidy is capped at the minimum wage.
Intake and timing
Québec announced the measure in May 2026 and says it runs through March 31, 2027. Employers contact a nearby Services Québec office; the announcement gives no public closing date for employer referrals.
Official source: Gouvernement du Québec (official page in French) (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
New Brunswick · Training grantCheck availability
Eligible locations: New Brunswick
Labour Force Training Program
What it may support
Strategic training for existing employees to build skills and maintain their attachment to the labour market.
Who may qualify
Eligible New Brunswick businesses and organizations; the program page directs employers to its specific criteria before applying.
Intake and timing
Applications must be submitted, assessed and approved before training starts. The official service page does not state a current closing date or funding amount.
Official source: Government of New Brunswick (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
New Brunswick · Wage subsidySeasonal intake
Eligible locations: New Brunswick
Student Employment Experience Development (SEED)
What it may support
Summer employment placements for eligible students, with positions lasting up to 12 weeks and at least 35 hours per week.
Who may qualify
New Brunswick First Nations communities, municipalities, registered non-profits and religious non-profits. Private businesses and post-secondary institutions are not eligible.
Amount or benefit, when stated
Funding for up to four students per employer: up to 100% of minimum wage for non-profits and First Nations communities, or up to 50% for municipalities, plus specified payroll costs.
Intake and timing
The program is seasonal. The official page links to NBSEED.ca but does not show the next employer application dates; confirm the next cycle before planning summer hires.
Official source: Government of New Brunswick (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Nova Scotia · Wage subsidyProgram details
Eligible locations: Nova Scotia
START Program
What it may support
A wage incentive, training costs, and some equipment or direct costs when hiring an eligible unemployed Nova Scotian.
Who may qualify
Small and medium-sized businesses, non-profits and social enterprises with a physical Nova Scotia location and employees who live and work in the province.
Amount or benefit, when stated
The amount is set case by case; the program considers the job, wage, candidate skills and other factors.
Intake and timing
The online application is available. Employers must apply and receive approval before hiring the employee to be subsidized.
Official source: Government of Nova Scotia (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Prince Edward Island · Wage subsidyCheck availability
Eligible locations: Prince Edward Island
Employ PEI
What it may support
Wages and on-the-job training for a new full-time employee who needs work experience for the position.
Who may qualify
PEI employers hiring a new full-time employee; SkillsPEI assesses the employer, job and sustainability plan under program rules.
Amount or benefit, when stated
Up to 50% of wages for a maximum of 20 weeks.
Intake and timing
The employer application is available through SkillsPEI. The official page does not state a current intake window; confirm timing and approval before the employee starts.
Official source: Government of Prince Edward Island (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Prince Edward Island · Wage subsidyCheck availability
Eligible locations: Prince Edward Island
Graduate Mentorship Program
What it may support
Wages and mentorship for a recent post-secondary graduate hired into work related to their studies.
Who may qualify
Employers hiring an unemployed recent post-secondary graduate who lacks experience in their field; a mentorship and retention plan are required.
Amount or benefit, when stated
Up to 50% of wages for 52 weeks, capped at $12.50 per hour.
Intake and timing
Apply through SkillsPEI and wait for written approval before the new employee begins. The official page does not state a current closing date.
Official source: Government of Prince Edward Island (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Prince Edward Island · Wage subsidyIntake closed
Eligible locations: Prince Edward Island
Student Summer Employment Programs
What it may support
Summer jobs for returning high-school students aged 15 to 29 and full-time post-secondary students.
Who may qualify
PEI employers hiring eligible students. Funding varies by employer type; private employers may receive 50% of the provincial minimum wage, while eligible public and non-profit employers may receive up to 100% plus vacation pay.
Amount or benefit, when stated
For the 2026 cycle, up to 40 hours per week at the stated share of the provincial minimum wage, plus 4% vacation pay. Other payroll costs remain the employer’s responsibility.
Intake and timing
The official listing says the 2026 application deadline was April 3, 2026 and has passed. The next cycle is not yet dated on the page.
Official source: Government of Prince Edward Island (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Newfoundland and Labrador · Wage subsidyProgram details
Eligible locations: Newfoundland and Labrador
JobsNL Wage Subsidy
What it may support
Salary costs for new long-term jobs or seasonal and short-term jobs, including opportunities for people who lack work experience or skills.
Who may qualify
Private and non-profit employers established in the province with a CRA business number; candidates must meet residency and work-status rules.
Amount or benefit, when stated
JobsNL-42 subsidizes 60% of wages (up to $12/hour) for the first 14 weeks and 80% (up to $12/hour) for the third 14-week period. JobsNL-28 subsidizes 60% (up to $12/hour) for 10 to 28 weeks.
Intake and timing
The official page provides an online LaMPSS application route and says decisions are normally sent within 20 business days. Employers must receive approval before hiring.
Official source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Newfoundland and Labrador · Wage subsidyProgram details
Eligible locations: Newfoundland and Labrador
Employment Enhancement Program
What it may support
Wages and a training allowance for new hires in value-added secondary processing in forestry, aquaculture, agriculture or fishing.
Who may qualify
Incorporated employers or sole proprietors with a CRA business number, in good standing and with an office in Newfoundland and Labrador; sector and other criteria apply.
Amount or benefit, when stated
75% of wages, up to $15 per hour for 10 to 28 weeks, plus a training allowance of up to $3,000 for the person hired.
Intake and timing
The official page provides a LaMPSS application route and program guidelines; confirm eligibility and available funding with the department before hiring.
Official source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
Newfoundland and Labrador · Training grantSuspended
Eligible locations: Newfoundland and Labrador
Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Job Grant
What it may support
Training costs for current employees or unemployed participants, under the program's employer and job-offer requirements.
Who may qualify
The historic program covered eligible private, non-profit, industry, union, employer-consortium and Indigenous employers based in the province.
Amount or benefit, when stated
The program page lists historic maximums of $10,000 for an existing employee and $15,000 for an unemployed participant; those amounts are not available while the program is suspended.
Intake and timing
Suspended until further notice because of federal funding reductions. The province says new applications are not being accepted.
Official source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (opens in a new tab)Checked October 13, 2026
This directory is an independent summary of official sources, not an application service. It does not collect employer information or apply on your behalf. Check each linked source for full rules and current decisions.
Sources checked October 13, 2026