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FUNDS FOR FLEETS

Funding opportunities for employers in the trucking and logistics sector

Introduction

Welcome to Trucking HR Canada’s new comprehensive, digital book to help trucking and logistics businesses access financial incentives offered by governments across the country.

Funds for Fleets combines information about programs delivered by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments in one place to make it easier for businesses to see what they might be eligible for. It includes links, a description of each program, eligibility and funding details, all organized by province. The digital book will be updated as new opportunities are announced.

About Trucking HR Canada

Trucking HR Canada is the recognized national authority on workforce strategy for the trucking and logistics sector. We’re a non-profit centre of excellence, engaging with employers, governments, think tanks, industry groups, and stakeholders.

See all our programs and initiatives: truckinghr.com

National

Student Work Placement Subsidy

This program helps post-secondary students gain valuable work experience while reducing hiring and training costs for employers. Hire a student for an eligible work placement and receive funding to offset the cost of their wages. Access new talent pools and highlight the variety of opportunities available within your company to soon-to-be graduates who are actively looking for post-graduate employment opportunities.

Eligible participants:

• Canadian citizen, permanent residents or persons who have been granted refugee status in Canada

• Enrolled as a full-time student in a Canadian post-secondary institution

• Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations

Eligible work placements:

• Full-time or part-time work opportunity (4-16 weeks in length at a minimum of 10 hours/week), directly related to the applicant’s program of study

• Not funded by any other federal grant program

• Students must be added to the company’s payroll during their work placement (students hired as contractors are not eligible for funding)

• Employer must provide a safe and harassment-free work environment for participants

Funding available:

• Up to 70% of student’s wages up to a maximum of $7000 per placement

Canada Summer Jobs

This program connects youth to quality summer employment opportunities so they can develop skills and transition into the labour market.

Eligible employers:

• Private sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees across Canada at the time of application

• Not-for-profit organizations

• Public sector employers

• Indian Band corporations

• Private Band Councils

• Private universities or colleges

Eligible participants:

• 15-30 years of age at the beginning of the work placement

• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada

• Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations

Funding available:

• Up to 50% of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage for full-time placement of 6 to 16 weeks

Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit (AJCTC)

Non-refundable investment tax credit (ITC) equal to 10% of the eligible salaries and wages payable to eligible apprentices. The maximum credit an employer can claim is $2,000 per year for each eligible apprentice. If your business hires an eligible apprentice, you qualify to claim the credit.

Eligible apprentices:

• Currently working in a prescribed trade and in the first two years of their apprenticeship contract

• Apprenticeship contract must be registered with a federal, provincial, or territorial government under an apprenticeship program designed to certify or license individuals in the trade

Funding available:

• Up to $2,000 per year per eligible apprentice

Scale AI – Supply Chains Cluster

Scale AI is an accelerator group that invest in projects that deploy AI to enhance value chains. Collaborative projects that focus on AI adoption or commercialization may be eligible.

Eligible projects:

• Innovative, collaborative projects deploying AI to enhance value chains across various industries (e.g.: transportation and warehousing, construction, manufacturing, retail trade)

• Projects may be aimed at AI adoption or commercialization in supply chains

Funding available:

• Up to 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of $50,000

Green Freight Program

This program offers financial support to help the on-road freight transportation sector to adopt energy efficiency measures.

Eligible employers:

• Company or industry association operating in Canada (Note: softwood lumber companies and those that are vertically integrated with softwood lumber companies are not eligible)

• Must have one or more heavy-duty vehicles for business use in their fleet that is licensed and insured to operate in Canada.

• Vehicles and/or trailers must be in service and be within the eligible vehicles weight classes.

Funding available:

• Up to $250,000 per applicant towards Third-Party Fleet Energy Assessments and Truck/Trailer Equipment Retrofits

Digital Skills for Youth

This program provides financial support to employers who host youth in internships where they gain digital skills after graduating from post-secondary education. The program is offered by several delivery organizations; application processes and program rules may vary depending on the delivery organization.

Eligible employers:

• Small- or medium-sized businesses (fewer than 500 employees)

• Must have legal operating status in Canada

Eligible participants:

• Must be 15-30 years of age

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada (a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person who has been granted refugee status)

• Must be a post-secondary graduate (not required for participants living in Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut)

• Must self-assess as underemployed (employed below their level of education or outside their field of study or work part time) or unemployed

Funding available:

• 80% of wages up to a maximum $30,000 per internship

• Up to $4000 in additional funding available for digital and soft-skills training

Science & Technology Internship Program (STIP) – Green Jobs

This program provides funding to Eligible employers across Canada to hire, train, and mentor youth in the natural resources sector, including in energy, forestry, mining, earth science, and clean technology. The program is offered by several different delivery organizations; application processes and program rules may vary depending on the delivery organization.

Eligible employers:

• Organizations in the natural resources sector who can offer full-time employment for up to 12 months (minimum 30 hours per week)

• Legal entities incorporated or registered in Canada, including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations

Eligible participants:

• Must be 15 to 30 years of age and available for at least 30 hours per week

• Eligible to work in Canada

• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status

Funding available:

• 75% of wages up to a maximum of $20,000 per intern hired for job ready youth

• 75% of wages up to a maximum of $24,000 per intern hired who self identifies as a woman or racialized youth

• 75% of wages up to a maximum of $30,000 per intern hired who self identifies as an Indigenous youth, Youth living with disabilities, Youth living in Northern and remote communities

Science Horizons Youth Internship Program

This program provides financial incentives to encourage employers across Canada to hire recent university, college and polytechnic graduates for 6-12 month internships in the environmental science, technology, engineering and mathematics sectors. The program is offered by several different delivery organizations; application processes and program rules may vary depending on the delivery organization.

Eligible employers:

• Organizations offering a work placement related to environmental sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics, including:

• For-profit companies

• Not-for-profit organizations

• Indigenous organizations

• Public Health, educational or cultural institutions

• Municipal, provincial and territorial governments

Eligible interns:

• Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person who has been granted refugee status

• Must be graduate of a degree or diploma program from a recognized postsecondary institution

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada

• Not in receipt of Employment Insurance during their internship

• 18 and 30 years of age at the start of the internship

Funding available:

• 80% of participant salary up to maximum of $25,000

• Up to $5000 in additional funding available: for wrap-around services (skills development, certification and training, job accessibility, other supports)

Alberta

Employment Pathway Grant

Provides funding to employers in the commercial transportation industry to invest in hiring and training Class 1 drivers.

Eligible employers:

• Private businesses, including sole-proprietors, general and limited partnerships, and corporations

• Non-profit organizations

• First Nations and Metis Settlements

• Employers must be established in Alberta for at least one year and must be in good standing with the province.

Funding available:

• Up to $10,000 per employee to cover the cost of Class 1 Learning Pathway driver training

• Up to $10,000 per employee to onboard new Class 1 drivers with fewer than 2 years of driving experience

• Up to $5,000 per employee to cover costs associated with professional development for a Class 1 driver (e.g.: advanced driver training programs)

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in the Prairie provinces

This program provides funding to help businesses in tariff-impacted sectors undertake projects to boost productivity, catalyze growth, and diversify markets.

Eligible employers:

• For-proﬁt businesses, Indigenous businesses, and not-for-proﬁt organizations with staffed operating facilities in the Prairie provinces

• Must have at least 1 employee and have been in operation for at least 2 years

• Must be incorporated and registered to do business in the Prairies and viable prior to the tariffs imposed by the U.S. and China, and prior to March 21, 2025.

• Must have at least 25% of your sales in the markets targeted by the tariffs OR demonstrate that your business has been directly affected by ongoing trade disruptions (including U.S. or China tariffs or Canadian countermeasures)

Eligible projects:

• Product improvement, market expansion and diversiﬁcation, strengthening supply chains and trade resilience

• Eligible costs can include labour and material costs, capital costs, consultancy fees, advisory expenses, and costs related to expanding or maintaining markets

• Preferences may be given to activities that:

o Have higher proportions of Canadian inputs

o Demonstrate greater economic beneﬁts for the Prairies

o Support local, regional or national supply chains

Funding available:

• $500,000 up to a maximum of $5 million in fully repayable ﬁnancial support per project

• Can be up to $1 million in non-repayable ﬁnancial support

• Up to 50% of eligible project costs

Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG)

Provides funding to help employers invest in training that focuses on enhancing productivity skills for their current and future employees that aligns with the needs of their business.

Eligible employers:

• Private sector employers including incorporated and unincorporated businesses and partnerships

• Non-proﬁt organizations

• First Nations or Metis Settlements

• Located in Alberta and must be fully operational for at least one year before applying

Eligible employees:

• Current or prospective employee who are one of the following: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected people under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act entitled to work in Canada.

• Must live in Alberta

Funding available:

• 50% of the cost to a maximum of $5,000 per employed trainee and if hiring and training an unemployed Albertan up to 75% to a maximum of $10,000 per trainee with an employer maximum of $100,000 per ﬁscal year.

British Columbia

Training Tax Credit for Apprentices

Note: this credit is for the apprentice. See next entry for employer tax credit.

Refundable income tax credits for apprentices enrolled in programs administered through SkilledTradesBC.

Eligible employers:

• BC resident as of December 31 of the taxation year for which the credit is being claimed

• Registered with SkilledTradesBC as an apprentice in an eligible program, and

• Not enrolled in a public high school, registered in a home schooling program or attending an independent school

Types of training tax credits

• Basic credit for the first two levels of non-Red Seal programs

• Completion credit for level 3 or level 4 for both Red Seal and non-Red Seal programs

• Enhanced credit for eligible First Nations individuals and eligible persons with disabilities

Funding available:

• Tax credits valued between $500 and $3750 are available to BC apprentices, depending on their apprenticeship level and other characteristics. See program website for details.

Training Tax Credit for Employers

Refundable income tax credits for employers who employ apprentices enrolled in apprenticeship programs administered through the SkilledTradesBC.

Eligible employers:

• Sole proprietors, partnerships and corporations that were subject to BC income tax for the taxation year in which the credit is being claimed

Eligible participants:

• In a business carried on in BC during the taxation year, and

• Related to the program they are registered in through SkilledTradesBC

• See a table of eligible programs and completion requirements for employers. If your apprentice is enrolled in a program through SkilledTradesBC that’s not listed, you may still be eligible for a training tax credit.

Funding available:

• The training tax credit amount is calculated based on the amount of eligible salary and wages you pay to an eligible employee during the eligible period.

BC Employer Training Grant

This program provides funding to employers to support workforce training, including training for prospective new hires.

New hires are eligible for the grant if they are currently unemployed and the training will lead to employment. Current employees are eligible for the grant if the training increases their job security or leads to a better job.

A “better job” is defined as:

• Increased pay

• Promotion or advancement to another position

• Move from part-time to full-time employment

• Move from temporary/casual/seasonal employment to permanent employment

Eligible employers:

• Must be one of the following organization types:

• Private businesses

• Non-profit organizations

• Municipalities and regional districts

• Indigenous governments

• Unions applying on behalf of workers they represent

• Must be fully operational for at least one year before applying

• Must have a business licence if the municipality or city requires one

• Must be in good standing with the Province.

Funding available:

• 80% of the cost of training up to $10,000 per employee, with a maximum annual amount of $300,000 per employer

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in British Columbia

This program provides funding to help businesses in tariff-impacted sectors undertake projects that enhance competitiveness by boosting productivity and reducing costs, build more resilient supply chains, and reach new markets.

Eligible employers:

• For-proﬁt businesses and not-for-proﬁt organizations that support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)

• Must employ between 10 and 499 full-time employees

• Must be incorporated and staffed in British Columbia in operation for at least 3 years prior to March 21, 2025, and have at least 2 complete years of externally prepared/reviewed ﬁnancial statements

Eligible projects:

• Eligible costs may be retroactive up to 12 months before applying but cannot have been incurred before March 21, 2025

• Examples:

o Investing in digitization, automation, and technology to enhance productivity and competitiveness

o Developing and expanding markets to ﬁnd new customers

o Optimizing global supply chain logistics and ensuring compliance with standards to gain market access or enhance sales

o Strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade to increase the resilience and competitiveness of businesses and the reliability of domestic markets

o Reshoring production, research and development operations, and recruiting highly qualiﬁed personnel and expertise

Funding available:

• $200,000 up to a maximum of $10 million per project in fully repayable ﬁnancial support OR

• $200,000 to $1 million per project in non-repayable ﬁnancial support

• Up to $75% of eligible costs for commercial projects

Manitoba

Industry Expansion Program

The program requires that all new jobs created by the launch or expansion be retained for a minimum 2080 hours of full-time employment throughout the agreement period.

Eligible applicants:

• Canadian for-profit companies licensed to operate in Manitoba

• Eligible project activities:

• Skills training for existing and new employees

• Development and/or purchase of training materials

• Lease/purchase of equipment directly related to and required for training

• Eligible expenditures related to development/delivery of training

Funding available:

• Funding amount contingent on project details and scope. Consideration is given to the number of jobs created, total project costs and company contributions, and the economic benefit to Manitoba resulting from these new employment opportunities.

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in the Prairie provinces

This program provides funding to help businesses in tariff-impacted sectors undertake projects to boost productivity, catalyze growth, and diversify markets.

Eligible employers:

• For-proﬁt businesses, Indigenous businesses, and Not-for-proﬁt organizations with staffed operating facilities in the Prairie provinces

• Must have at least 1 employee and have been in operation for at least 2 years

• Must be incorporated and registered to do business in the Prairies and viable prior to the tariffs imposed by the U.S. and China, and prior to March 21, 2025.

Eligible projects:

• Product improvement, market expansion and diversiﬁcation, strengthening supply chains and trade resilience

• Eligible costs can include labour and material costs, capital costs, consultancy fees, advisory expenses, and costs related to expanding or maintaining markets

• Preferences may be given to activities that:

• Have higher proportions of Canadian inputs

• Demonstrate greater economic beneﬁts for the Prairies

• Support local, regional or national supply chains

Funding available:

• $500,000 up to a maximum of $5 million in fully repayable ﬁnancial support per project

• Can be up to $1 million in non-repayable ﬁnancial support

• Up to 50% of eligible project costs

New Brunswick

The Fuel Savings Transportation Program

This program provides financial support to help transportation businesses offset the costs of fuel saving devices and products that minimize their carbon footprint.

Eligible applicants:

• Owner or operator of a commercial transportation business in New Brunswick

• Eligible costs include purchase and installation (before tax) of devices/products that result in fuel savings and meet the following criteria:

o Must be purchased from a New Brunswick retailer or distributor

o Device/product must be new (used and/or refurbished are not eligible)

o Must be installed by an accredited professional

o Must be purchased and installed on or after April 1st, 2024

Funding available:

• Up to $250,000 in rebates on a range of fuel saving devices, including:

• Up to 30% of purchase cost of aerodynamic devices (maximum $3000 per device)

• Up to 30% of purchase cost of low-rolling resistance tires (maximum $1500 per truck or trailer)

• Up to 50% of purchase cost of anti-idle technologies (maximum $6000 per device)

• Up to 30% of purchase cost of refrigeration systems (maximum $7500 per unit)

• Up to 50% of purchase cost of fuel-efficient driving devices (maximum $1000 per device)

Newfoundland and Labrador

JobsNL Wage Subsidy

This program provides financial support to employers to create new long-term or seasonal/short-term jobs for individuals lacking work experience and/or skills.

Eligible employers:

• Private businesses (incorporated and/or sole proprietorship)

• Not-for-profit organizations

• In good standing with the Registry of Companies and Deed

• Must have an office in Newfoundland and Labrador

Eligible participants

• Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident residing in Newfoundland and Labrador

• Temporary residents may be eligible if they are international graduates with a Post-graduate Work Permit or have an Open Work Permit.

• Must be unemployed or underemployed (working less than 20 hours per week or in a field unrelated to their training)

• Must not be receiving federal or provincial pensions, Workplace NL benefits, or other benefits.

• Funding is not retroactive; individuals hired before the application date are not eligible

Funding available:

• Long-term employment:

o Wage subsidy offered for 28 weeks over a 42-week employment period

o First 14 weeks: 60% of wages, up to $12/hour

o Second 14 weeks: No subsidy

o Third 14 weeks: 80% of wages, up to $12/hour

• Seasonal/short-term employment:

o Wage subsidy offered for employment period of 10-28 weeks

o 60% of wages, up to $12/hour.

Workforce Relief Fund (WRF)

This program provides funding for businesses and organizations across Newfoundland and Labrador to retain their workforce and equip employees with new skills in response to direct or indirect impacts of tariffs.

Eligible employers:

• Private businesses (includes self-employed), an employer group or industry association, group representing more than one business or organization (e.g. labour union or Chamber of commerce), Federal, Provincial and Territorial Crown corporations, public health organizations, educational institutions, Indigenous government or organization, or city, town or local service district

• Have both an office location and operate in Newfoundland and Labrador, be in good standing with the provincial registry of companies and deeds, and have a Canada Revenue Agency business number

Eligible employees:

• Resident of Newfoundland and Labrador

• Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a temporary resident with a valid work permit

• In need of retention, upskilling, or retraining due to the impacts of tariffs

• Eligible activities:

• Provide training to help workers transition to new industries or roles that are less affected by tariffs

• Provide wage supports to employer to provide financial stability for workers who would otherwise lose their jobs due to tariffs

• Providing training or wage subsidies to support economic diversification in regions heavily dependent on industries affected by tariffs

Eligible costs (included but not limited to):

• Costs associated with employees participating in training

• Capital costs including building renovations intended to establish or upgrade infrastructure and equipment

• Wages and salaries for highly qualified personnel

• Other direct operating funds related to materials, equipment, and maintenance

• Funding available:

• Up to $250,000 per organization

Northwest Territories

Wage Subsidy Program

This program provides financial support to help transportation businesses offset the costs of fuel saving devices and products that minimize their carbon footprint. This program provides funding to help employers hire NWT residents with minimal work experience and education.

Eligible employers:

• Registered businesses that have been in operation for at least 6 months and are licensed to operate in the NWT

• Industry associations

• Local housing authorities

• Non-government organizations

• Indigenous organizations

• Local, municipal, or Indigenous governments

Eligible participants:

• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person (e.g.: granted refugee status)

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada

• Must be residing in the Northwest Territories

• Must be at least 16 years of age

• A new or recent hire (started their current position within the last 3 months)

• Must not be an immediate family member of the employer

Funding available:

• 80% of wages up to a maximum of $30,000 per participant

• Additional funding may be available to cover equipment costs and/or supports for participants with disabilities

Employee Training Program (ETP)

This program provides funding to employers to offset the cost of training to up-skill employees due to economic, technological or organizational change or support individuals who are under-employed or employed and in need of training to maintain or move to a different or better job.

Eligible employers:

• Registered businesses, industry associations, local housing authorities, nongovernment organizations, Indigenous organizations, and local, municipal or Indigenous governments

• Operational for a minimum of six months, licensed to operate in the Northwest Territories and registered with the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission of the Northwest Territories (WSCC)

• Self-employed individuals may also be considered

• Must apply within 3 months of the individual starting the position

• Must have a job available for the employee at the end of the training

Eligible employees:

• Resident of Northwest Territories

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or be a protected person (as defined by Immigration and Refugee Protection Act)

Eligible activities:

• Training may be up to 52 weeks

• Training must be provided by an eligible third-party institution

• Must be used in conjunction with WSP (Wage Subsidy Program) to offset costs of training

Funding available:

• Up to $13,000 per employee per 52 weeks

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)

This program provides funding to help businesses in tariff-impacted sectors undertake projects that enhance competitiveness by boosting productivity, lowering costs, strengthening supply chain resilience, and/or opening doors to new markets.

Eligible Employer:

• Incorporated companies, corporations, and co-operatives, Indigenous owned businesses and organizations, and Non-profit organizations that support businesses

Eligible projects:

• Examples of eligible activities include (but are not limited to):

• Investing in digitization, automation, and technology to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

• Developing and expanding markets to help SMEs find new customers.

• Optimizing global supply chain logistics and ensuring compliance with standards to gain market access and/or enhance sales.

• Strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade to increase the resilience and competitiveness of SMEs and the reliability of domestic markets.

• Reshoring production, research and development operations, and recruiting highly qualified personnel and expertise.

Funding available:

• NOTE: If you feel that the Regional Tariff Response Initiative is right for you, contact operations@cannor.gc.ca to express interest or for more information.

Nova Scotia

Apprenticeship START

The Apprenticeship START program encourages employers to register and employ apprentices and support them as they complete their apprenticeship program.

Eligible employers:

• Businesses, not-for-profit organizations and/or social enterprises in Nova Scotia with 500 or fewer employees and 15 or fewer apprentices

• Employers operating in urban areas where populations exceed 20,000 (Halifax Regional Municipality, Truro, and Sydney) can only receive funding for apprentices belonging to an equity-deserving group.

Eligible apprentices:

• Must reside in Nova Scotia

• Must be a new apprentice or an unemployed apprentice

Funding available:

• For areas of the province with a population of less than 20,000:

• $2500 hiring incentive for the registration of a new apprentice

• $5000 payment for each level the apprentice completes

• $2500 when the apprentice completes their apprenticeship program

For apprentices belonging to an equity-deserving group:

• $5000 hiring incentive for the registration of an equity-deserving apprentice

• $5000 payment for each level the apprentice completes

• $5000 when the apprentice completes their apprenticeship program

Graduate to Opportunity Innovate (GTO Innovate)

This program offers a financial incentive to help businesses in Nova Scotia hire Masters and PhD graduates.

Eligible employers:

• Nova Scotia businesses with fewer than 200 full-time employees

Eligible positions:

• Must be a new, permanent full-time position located in Nova Scotia that pays at least $60,000 per year

• Position cannot be funded by any other government program

• Position must be approved for GTO Innovate funding before the graduate starts work

• Funding is not retroactive and graduates who started working for your company before you applied to GTO Innovate will not be eligible for funding

• Position must spend at least 50% of work time on activities such as:

• Applied research

• Product and service development

• Market analysis for complex products or activity

• Improvement of product quality, customer services and business efficiencies

• Process development or improvement, technical feasibility studies and pilots for product launches or market entry

Eligible participants:

• Masters or Doctoral graduates who obtained their degrees from an accredited post-secondary institution within the last year

• Must reside and work in Nova Scotia

Note: You can recruit candidates from outside the province, but they must have a NS address when they become employees of your company.

Funding available:

• Year one: 30% of the graduate’s salary up to a maximum of $21,000 (30% of $70,000 salary)

• Year two: 15% of the graduate’s salary up to a maximum of $10,500 (15% of $70,000 salary)

• Graduate’s salary must be at least $60,000. The subsidy amount is calculated by applying the rates to the actual salary, up until a maximum of $70,000. You can pay the graduate more than that but the subsidy rate will only apply to the first $70,000.

• Additional 10% subsidy available in the first year for graduates from equitydeserving groups

Graduate to Opportunity Grow (GTO Grow)

The Graduate to Opportunity Grow (GTO Grow) program offers financial incentives to help employers hire post-secondary graduates in Nova Scotia.

Eligible employers:

• Nova Scotia businesses with fewer than 100 full-time employees

• Nova Scotia start-ups incorporated within the last 2 years

• Social enterprise, non-profit, or charitable organization with recognized standing in the province

Eligible positions:

• Must be a new, permanent full-time position located in Nova Scotia that pays at least $37,500 per year

• Position cannot be funded by any other government program

• Position must be approved for GTO Grow funding before the graduate starts work

• Funding is not retroactive and graduates who started working for your company before you applied to GTO Grow will not be eligible for funding

Eligible participants:

• Post secondary graduates who received their degree or diploma from an accredited post-secondary institution within the last year

• Must reside and work in Nova Scotia

• Note: You can recruit candidates from outside the province, but they must have a NS address when they become employees of your company.

Funding available:

• Year one: 25% of the graduate’s salary up to a maximum of $15,000 (25% of $60,000 salary)

• Year two: 12.5% of the graduate’s salary up to a maximum of $7,500 (12.5% of $60,000 salary)

• Graduate’s salary must be at least $37,500. The subsidy amount is calculated by applying the rates to the actual salary, up until a maximum of $60,000. You can pay the graduate more than that but the subsidy rate will only apply to the first $60,000.

• Additional 10% subsidy available in the first year for graduates from equitydeserving groups

Co-operative Education Incentive (CO-OP)

The Co-operative Education Incentive (CO-OP) helps employers hire post-secondary co-operative education students for work placements.

Eligible employers:

• Private businesses

• Not-for-profit organizations

• Municipalities

• Charitable organizations and/or social enterprises

Eligible co-op placements:

• Must take place in Nova Scotia

• Must be full-time

• Must pay the student at least $18 per hour (preference will be given to placements that offer higher wages)

• Student must be enrolled in a work term as part of a cooperative education program at a Nova Scotia university or college

Funding available:

• $8 reimbursement for each hour worked by the student

• Bonus reimbursement of $1.50 per hour for students from equity-deserving groups

START

This program provides financial support to encourage employers to hire unemployed Nova Scotians.

Eligible employers:

• Private business, not-for-profit organization or social enterprise in Nova Scotia with 500 or fewer employees

• Companies with headquarters outside of Nova Scotia may be eligible if they have a physical location and employees working in the province

Eligible participants:

• Unemployed individuals who reside in Nova Scotia (must submit application through Nova Scotia Works centre)

• Funding is not retroactive and individuals who started working for your company before you applied to START will not be eligible for funding

Funding available:

• Up to $25,000 per participant, assessed on a case-by-case basis

Nunavut

Training Assistance Program (TAP)

This program provides financial incentives to help employers hire and train unemployed or under-skilled workers. Training may be up to 52 weeks in length and may be delivered on the job site, at an institution or training provider or a combination of both. Employers are expected to hire the trainee at the end of the training period.

Eligible employers:

• Private businesses with fewer than 50 employees

• Industry associations

• Not-for-profit organizations

• Municipal governments

• Inuit organizations

Eligible participants:

• Resident of Nunavut for a minimum of one year

• Non-Nunavut residents may be considered

• Must be at least 15 years of age

• Must be unemployed, under-employed or apprentices at the time of application

Funding available:

• For areas of the province with a population of less than 20,000: For nonapprentice trainees:

• 50% of trainee’s regular wages up to $15.00/hr for a maximum of 40 hours per week for 52 weeks

• If the trainee has a disability, 65% of regular wages up to $15.00/hr for a maximum of 40 hours per week for 52 weeks

For apprentices:

• Level 1 apprentice: 50% of the apprentice’s wages or $15.00/hr, whichever is less

• Level 2 apprentice: 50% of the apprentice’s wages or $12.50/hr, whichever is less

• Level 3 apprentice: 50% of the apprentice’s wages or $10.00/hr, whichever is less

Summer Employment for Nunavut Students (SENS)

A wage subsidy program provided to employers who wish to hire and train Nunavut students over the summer months.

Eligible Employer:

• Private sector employers, industry associations, non-profit organizations, Inuit organizations or municipal governments

Eligible Employees:

• Students aged 15 years or older returning to school in the fall (proof of enrollment is required)

• Resident of Nunavut with a Social Insurance Number

• May begin work immediately after completing their school year

Funding available:

• 50% of the student’s wage up to a maximum of $10 per hour and 40 hours/week (65% of the students wages up to a maximum of $10 per hour and 40 hours/week for persons with disabilities)

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)

Eligible Employer:

• Incorporated companies, corporations, and co-operatives, Indigenous owned businesses and organizations, and Non-profit organizations that support businesses

Eligible projects:

• Examples of eligible activities include (but are not limited to):

• Investing in digitization, automation, and technology to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

• Developing and expanding markets to help SMEs find new customers.

• Optimizing global supply chain logistics and ensuring compliance with standards to gain market access and/or enhance sales.

• Strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade to increase the resilience and competitiveness of SMEs and the reliability of domestic markets.

• Reshoring production, research and development operations, and recruiting highly qualified personnel and expertise.

Funding available:

• NOTE: If you feel that the Regional Tariff Response Initiative is right for you, contact operations@cannor.gc.ca to express interest or for more information.

Ontario

Ontario Together Trade Fund

This program provides financial support and complementary services to help businesses serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains in the face of U.S. tariffs.

Eligible applicants:

• For-profit businesses legally operating in Ontario

• Must have at least 3 years of operations and financial statements

• Must employ at least 5 full-time equivalent employees

• Must invest at least $200,000 in the proposed project and be able to secure financing by the project start date

• Must be able to demonstrate any of the following U.S. tariff impacts:

• Operating in a sector extensively targeted by U.S. tariffs (e.g.: steel sector, auto sector, aluminum)

• Significant exposure to trade risk (e.g.: revenue loss of 30% or higher)

• Pivoting operations to supply a customer that is looking to replace a current supplier due to tariffs

Eligible projects:

• Projects must be located in a community in Ontario during the project period

• Projects must be completed in two years

Eligible project activities include:

• Business development, such as market diversification and sales expansion

• Increasing capacity and creating and securing jobs in Ontario

• Procurement of advanced equipment and facility modification to enhance domestic manufacturing, support reshoring and growing Ontario’s supply chain

• Development of innovative technologies to boost the competitiveness of Ontario’s production and manufacturing capacity

• Localization for new markets (for example, certification, legal, labelling, testing costs)

• Modification of existing products to enter new sectors (e.g.: pivoting production from automotive fasteners to construction fasteners)

• Purchasing equipment and materials from local suppliers or shifting sales to non-U.S. markets

Funding available:

• Up to 75% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum $5 million

• Funding amounts based on an assessment of the project impact

• Funding may be administered as grants or loans, at the discretion of the province of Ontario

• Loans will be interest free during the project period (up to two years) typically with a 4 year pay-back period

• Up to 30% of the loan (to a maximum of $1.5 million) may be forgiven for projects that achieve their investment and job targets

DCC Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP)

The DMAP program helps SMEs with the development of an effective digital strategy and digital technology adoption plan

Eligible applicants:

• For profit, private, incorporated federally or provincially business

• SME (between 1-499 full-time employees)

• Have a permanent establishment in Ontario

Eligible projects:

• Development of an effective Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan

• Contract with eligible Digital Adoption Consultant (DAC) from the Digital Competence Centre (DCC) roster

Funding available:

• Up to 50% of total eligible project costs to a maximum of $15,000

Technology Demonstration Program

The TDP program provides funding to help SMEs implement recommendations from their DMAP digital modernization and adoption plan.

Eligible applicants:

• For profit, private, incorporated federally or provincially business

• SME (between 1-499 full-time employees)

• Have a permanent establishment in Ontario

• Must have at least $500,000 in annual revenue in one of the three previous tax years

• Already completed a DMAP project

Eligible projects:

• Adoption and/or implementation of commercial digital technology recommendations from the applicant’s completed DMAP digital modernization and adoption plan

• Must be in partnership with an eligible digital technology vendor, preferably one located in Ontario

• Project must have the potential to accelerate the applicant’s digital transformation and have a high impact on the business (e.g.: by creating jobs, increasing revenue, providing access to new customers, etc.)

Funding available:

• Up to 50% of total eligible project costs to a maximum of $100,000

FedDev Ontario – Southern Ontario

Funding that supports companies to adopt cutting-edge solutions, enhance productivity, break into new markets and build for the future.

Eligible employers:

• For-profit businesses, co-operatives and Indigenous businesses operational and located or expanding to southern Ontario at time of application

• 5 to 500 full-time employees (FTEs)

• Incorporated and registered to do business in Canada or Ontario for at least the past 3 years and able to submit at least 2 years externally audited financials

Eligible projects:

• Developing, commercializing and/or producing new and innovative products, processes and services

o Late-stage development of a new product for sale

o Development of process improvements which reduce environmental impact of current operations (through use of new technology)

o Showcasing and demonstrating a new technology in an operational setting

o Market diagnostics and studies

• Improving productivity, capacity and competitiveness

o Acquiring, adapting or adopting new technologies or processes

o Improving production efficiency and capacity through equipment upgrades, and/or process improvements and related facility enhancements

o Adopting clean technologies

o Increasing business management capacity

o Improving processes to increase efficiency, including automation and related skills development

• Scaling-up or expanding business lines to tap into new markets or reach new customers

o Launching new products or services

o Integrating into domestic and global value chains/supply chains

o Leveraging venture capital or angel capital investment to support business growth

o Reshoring or onshoring of production, research and development mandates and/or highly qualified personnel/expertise to southern Ontario

Funding available:

• Up to 50% of eligible project costs from a minimum of $125,000 up to a maximum of $10 million in repayable contribution funding

Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG)

The RMPG program helps businesses with the purchase of effective digital equipment and software to help them transform and grow.

Eligible applicants:

• Incorporated federally or provincially, Ontario based for-profit business (between 1-50 employees)

• Have a permanent public physical “bricks and mortar” retail location in Ontario, engaged in consumer-facing retail activities

• Minimum 1 year in business with at least $100k of annual revenue

Eligible projects:

• Must support Ontario-based retail business to adopt digital technology (e.g.: purchase of hardware or software)

• Must significantly accelerate the business’s digital transformation

Funding available:

• Up to 50% of total eligible project costs up to a maximum $5000

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Southern Ontario

Eligible Employer:

• For-profit businesses and Indigenous businesses located in and operating southern Ontario at the time of application

• Must employ 5 to 499 full-time employees in southern Ontario

• Must be incorporated and registered to do business in Canada or Ontario for at least the past 3 years and viable prior to the tariffs imposed by the U.S. and China, and prior to March 21, 2025.

Eligible projects:

• Examples of eligible activities include (but are not limited to):

• Digitizing, automating, or acquiring adopting or adapting technology to enhance productivity and competitiveness

• Market diagnostics, development and expansion activities to help find new customers and reduce tariff exposure

• Building strategic partnerships, optimizing supply chains, and ensuring compliance with standards

• Strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade

• Business support, market development in all markets and guidance services

Funding available:

• $125,000 up to a maximum of $10 million in fully repayable financial support OR

• Under $100,000 in non-repayable financial support

• Up to $13,000 per employee per 52 weeks

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Northern Ontario

Eligible Employer:

• Incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) including Indigenous businesses located and operating in northern Ontario at the time of application

• Must employ 5 or more full-time employees and have been viable for at least 3 consecutive years.

Eligible projects:

• Eligible costs may be retroactive up to 12 months before applying but cannot have been incurred before March 21, 2025

• Examples of eligible activities include (but are not limited to):

• Digitization, automation or technology integration investments that enhance SME productivity and competitiveness.

• Market diagnostics, development and expansion activities to support SMEs

• Establishing strategic alliances, optimizing supply chain logistics, and ensuring compliance with standards

• Strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade

• Business support, market development in all markets, and guidance services

• Reshoring or onshoring of production, research and development mandates and/or highly qualified personnel/expertise to the region.

Funding available:

• Up to 75% of eligible costs for repayable contributions over $1 million

• Up to 50% of eligible costs for non-repayable contributions up to $1 million

• Exact funding amounts will be based on the minimum amount required to carry out the project

Prince Edward Island

Employ PEI – For Employers

This program offers financial incentives to encourage employers to create long-term employment opportunities for PEI jobseekers.

Eligible employers:

• Registered private sector businesses

• Organizations

• Municipalities

• Band/tribal councils

Eligible participants:

• Must be unemployed and seeking full-time work

• Must be legally authorized to work in Canada (Canadian citizen or permanent resident)

• Other criteria may apply

Funding available:

• 50% of participant’s wages up to a maximum of $12.50 per hour for up to 20 weeks (full-time)

• Wage rate paid to the participant must be within the wage range for the targeted occupation

Graduate Mentorship Program – For Employers

This program offers financial support to help employers create long term employment opportunities for unemployed recent post-secondary graduates.

Eligible employers:

• Registered private sector businesses

• Organizations

• Municipalities

• Band/tribal councils

Eligible participants:

• Must be a recent graduate (graduated within the last 5 years)

• Must be unemployed and seeking full-time employment at the time of application

• Must be legally authorized to work in Canada (Canadian citizen or permanent resident)

• Other criteria may apply

Funding available:

• Up to 50% of participant’s wages to a maximum of $12.50 per hour for up to 52 weeks (full-time)

• Wage rate paid to the participant must be within the wage range for the targeted occupation

Student Summer Employment Programs – Youth & Post Secondary Students

This program provides financial incentives to encourage PEI employers to hire students during the summer. Funding is available for high school and postsecondary students.

Eligible employers:

• Any of the following organization types:

o Private businesses

o Non-for-profit organizations

o Public sector

• Priority given to employers who can provide students with an experiential learning opportunity related to their field of study

Eligible participants:

• Jobs for Youth program stream

o Must be between the ages of 15 and 29

o Must be available for a summer work placement of 8-12 weeks

o Must be returning to school in the fall

• Post-secondary Student program stream

o Must be a full-time post-secondary student available for a summer work placement of 12-18 weeks

o Must be returning to full-time post-secondary studies in the fall

• Employers may apply to both programs to fund multiple positions. Funding cannot be applied from both programs to a single position.

Funding available:

• For private sector employers: 50% of provincial minimum wage plus 4% vacation pay for up to 40 hours per week

• For non-profit employers: 100% of provincial minimum wage plus 4% vacation pay for up to 40 hours per week

• For public sector employers: 100% of provincial minimum wage plus 4% vacation pay for up to 40 hours per week

Workplace Skills Training

This program provides funding to help employers train new or existing employees. Training must be short term and meet job-specific and incremental industry requirements as determined by the employer.

Eligible employers:

• Registered private sector businesses

• Organization acting on behalf of a group of employers (e.g. employer consortia, industry associations and sector council businesses)

• Band/tribal councils

• Non-profit organizations

Eligible participants:

• Must be 18-59 years of age

• Must be legally authorized to work in Canada (Canadian citizens or permanent residents)

Funding available:

• Up to 50% of the direct training costs

Quebec

Wage Subsidy Program

This program offers financial incentives to encourage Quebec employers to hire persons facing difficulty in the labour market.

Eligible employers:

• For Employment Integration stream:

o All types of businesses operating in Quebec

• For Work Experience stream:

o Not-for-profit organizations

o Municipalities

o Band councils

Eligible participants:

• Must face challenges integrating into the labour market

• Must be deemed eligible by an employment assistance agent at a Services Quebec office

Funding available:

• Wage subsidies available at rates determined by the program

• Additional funding may be available to offset training costs and/or overhead costs related to disability accommodation. Contact the program for more information.

DEP Specialized truck transport

This program offers financial support to recruit, train, retain, and graduate candidates to take the Diploma of Professional Studies (DEP) in truck transport

Eligible employers:

• Freight transport companies whose primary or secondary activity is road freight transport

• Available in all regions of Quebec

Eligible participants:

• Candidates who do not yet have their DEP in truck transport Class 1 driving license.

Funding available:

• Obtain salary reimbursement throughout duration of the 615-hour DEP training for 4 to 6 candidates

• Additional support may be available for digital recruitment campaigns

Truck driving trainer training

This program offers financial support to help freight transport companies train internal staff to become driver trainers.

Eligible employers:

• For companies in freight transport only

• Available in all regions of Quebec

Eligible participants:

• Current employees

Funding available:

• Salary reimbursement of 50% of the hourly rate for 2 to 6 employees for up to 40-hours in company training

Training in the use of a smart phone

This program offers free smart phone training for bulk truck drivers who are members of L'Association nationale des camionneurs artisans inc. (ANCAI)

Eligible participants:

• Available in all regions of Quebec

• Bulk truck drivers who are members of ANCAI

Funding available:

• Free 4-hour smart phone training for up to 8 participants

Eco-friendly driving

This program offers subsidized training for freight companies that wish to train their truck drivers eco-driving in cities and distribution centres.

Eligible employers:

• For companies in freight transport

• Available in all regions of Quebec

• Fee of $614 +tax per person for up to 10 participants (to qualify for wage subsidy described below)

Eligible participants:

• Current employees

Funding available:

• Salary reimbursement of 85% of the hourly rate up to $25/hour for up to 10 employees for 20 hours (8 theory/12 practice) training

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)

Eligible Employer:

• Must be a manufacturing SME (small to medium business enterprise) located and operating in Quebec, and have generated revenues of $2 million or more during the last completed fiscal year

• Must have been in business for at least 3 years and viable prior to the tariffs imposed by the U.S. and China, and prior to March 21, 2025.

Eligible projects:

• Examples of eligible activities include (but are not limited to):

o The acquisition of equipment, digitization, automation, and the acquisition or adaptation of technologies to improve productivity and competitiveness.

o Implementing market diversification strategies, including market diagnosis, development and expansion activities to find new customers and reduce vulnerability to tariffs.

o Establishing strategic partnerships, optimizing supply chains, and complying with standards to access markets or increase sales.

o A technology showcase and demonstration.

Funding available:

• Up to 50% of eligible costs for up to $1 million non-repayable financial assistance for structural investments in productivity or for hybrid projects aimed at productivity and market diversification

• Up to 50% of eligible costs for up to $300,00 non-repayable financial assistance for a project focused solely on market diversification

• Up to 75% of eligible costs for over $1 million repayable financial assistance for projects in productivity and market diversification

Saskatchewan

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in the Prairie provinces

This program provides funding to help businesses in tariff-impacted sectors undertake projects to boost productivity, catalyze growth, and diversify markets.

Eligible employers:

• For-profit businesses, Indigenous businesses, and Not-for-profit organizations with staffed operating facilities in the Prairie provinces

• Must have at least 1 employee and have been in operation for at least 2 years

• Must be incorporated and registered to do business in the Prairies and viable prior to the tariffs imposed by the U.S. and China, and prior to March 21, 2025.

Eligible projects:

• Product improvement, market expansion and diversification, strengthening supply chains and trade resilience

• Eligible costs can include labour and material costs, capital costs, consultancy fees, advisory expenses, and costs related to expanding or maintaining markets

• Preferences may be given to activities that:

o Have higher proportions of Canadian inputs

o Demonstrate greater economic benefits for the Prairies

o Support local, regional or national supply chains

Funding available:

• $500,000 up to a maximum of $5 million in fully repayable financial support per project

• Can be up to $1 million in non-repayable financial support

• Up to 50% of eligible project costs

Yukon

Staffing UP

This program provides financial support to help Yukon employers hire, train, and assess new and/or existing employees. Subsidies are available to offset wage, training and some HR related costs.

Employer eligibility:

• Yukon employer providing work for at least 1 individual (in addition to the business owner)

• Not a federal, provincial or territorial government, or Crown corporation.

Funding available:

There are 3 wage subsidy options:

1. Fill a permanent existing position with a worker who lacks experience

• 60% of base wage for up to 1 year

2. Perform a workplace-based assessment of a worker’s skills and interests

• All employer costs are eligible for a duration of up to 8 weeks

3. Provide on-the-job training so the worker gains work experience

• All employer costs are eligible for a duration of up to 24 weeks

Summer Career Placement subsidy

This program is for hiring a Yukon youth or student in secondary or post-secondary school.

Eligible employers:

• Any of the following organization types:

o Private business

o Non-profit organization

o Municipality

o First Nation

• Must have been operating in Yukon for at least 1 year

Eligible participants:

• Student or youth over 15 years of age

• Legally entitled to work in Canada

• New employee

• Not members of employer’s immediate family

• Attended a secondary, post-secondary or vocational school full-time during the current academic year for at least 1 semester

• Yukon resident since March 1, 2023

Funding available:

• $8.25 per hour the student works to a maximum of 600 hours between May 1 and September 1

Student Training and Employment Program (STEP)

This program offers wage subsidies to encourage employers to hire Yukon postsecondary students for summer jobs. Applications are processed in the fall/winter for the upcoming summer term.

Eligible employers:

• Any of the following organization types:

• Private sector business legally operating in Yukon

• Non-government organization or agency

• First Nation

• Municipal government

• Government of Yukon department

• Must have an office and a contact person located in Yukon

• Must have been operating in Yukon for at least 1 year

• Must be able to provide student with at least 32 hours of work per week

• Must guarantee at least 450 hours of work in total for the student’s work placement

Eligible participants:

• Must be a post-secondary student from Yukon

Funding available:

• The subsidy is $7.20 per hour for 450 to 600 hours of employment

• Minimum student wages are set by the program and correspond to student’s level of education:

• Completed 1st year: $23.07 per hour

• Completed 2nd year: $24.72 per hour

• Completed 3rd year: $26.46 per hour

• Completed 4th year or higher: $28.30 per hour

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)

Eligible Employer:

• Incorporated companies, corporations, and co-operatives, Indigenous owned businesses and organizations, and Non-profit organizations that support businesses

Eligible projects:

• Examples of eligible activities include (but are not limited to):

o Investing in digitization, automation, and technology to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

o Developing and expanding markets to help SMEs find new customers.

o Optimizing global supply chain logistics and ensuring compliance with standards to gain market access and/or enhance sales.

o Strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade to increase the resilience and competitiveness of SMEs and the reliability of domestic markets.

o Reshoring production, research and development operations, and recruiting highly qualified personnel and expertise.

Funding available:

• NOTE: If you feel that the Regional Tariff Response Initiative is right for you, contact operations@cannor.gc.ca to express interest or for more information.

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