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Wage Subsidies

Wage Subsidies is a client-based program intended to assist certain unemployed individuals to obtain employment by providing employers with financial assistance towards their wages. Wage Subsidies may also be used to assist unemployed individuals registered as an apprentice who are experiencing difficulties finding employment related to their apprenticeship.

Download Wage Subsidies Fact Sheet  (330 KB)

Information for Individuals

Am I Eligible?

You are eligible if you are an unemployed individual:

• Who has a current EI claim; or
• Whose EI benefit period ended within the last three (3) years; or
• Who has established a benefit period within the past five (5) years prior to the date of requesting assistance, was paid parental or maternity benefits, and are re-entering the labour force after having left it in order to care for a newborn or newly adopted child.

Other criteria may apply.

How do I Apply?

• You will need to receive an employment assessment and develop a Return to Work Action Plan with a case manager.
• The case manager's recommendation is required before Advanced Education and Skills can assess your application.
• Please refer to the list of Employment Assistance Service providers (60 KB) to find one that provides Case Management in your area.
• Complete the application for Job Creation Partnerships/ Wage Subsidies and submit it to your local Advanced Education and Skills Office or your Employment Assistance Service provider. (60 KB)

Key Facts

Qualification Date:

• The date your completed application is received by the Department of Advanced Education and Skills is the date when you are considered to have requested assistance.
• This date is used to determine whether you qualify as an "insured participant" within the timeframes outlined above.

Financial Assistance:

• Financial assistance is in the form of a subsidy and is provided to employers to cover the costs of wages paid to the participant.
• Financial assistance may also be provided to cover all or a portion of the costs related to the special needs of persons with disabilities.
• Financial assistance may be provided in exceptional circumstances to cover all or part of the following costs related to participation (e.g., dependent care, disability needs and transportation). Support for these costs does not normally exceed four weeks in duration.

Apprentices:

• In order to receive a susbidy for an apprentice, an employer must have a journeyperson on staff who is certified in the trade of the apprentice and who will supervise the apprentice for the duration of the wage subsidy period.
• The employer must also sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Provincial Industrial Training Division.

Approval:

• Your application must be approved by Advanced Education and Skills before you begin activities with the employer.

Duration:

• The maximum duration of an agreement with an employer or a participant is up to 78 consecutive weeks.

Information for Organizations/Employers

Is my Organization Eligible?

Businesses, organizations, municipalities, band/tribal councils, public health and educational institutions are eligible to receive funding as sponsors through this program.

How do I Apply?

Employers seeking funding under Wage Subsidies should complete the Wage Subsidies - Employer Application for Funding and submit it to the nearest Advanced Education and Skills office.

Contact Information

Advanced Education and Skills LMDA Delivery Office Locations

General enquiries: 1-800-563-6600

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