2016 Canada Summer Jobs: Grants for Hiring Students
Editor’s Note: Details of the Canada Summer Jobs program are subject to change at any time; details on this page were accurate as of the posting date. To learn about current program details, please contact Mentor Works or visit canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/youth-summer-job.
Providing relevant, high-quality job opportunities to Canada’s youth ensures that a new generation of professionals can develop the skills needed for advancing Canada’s economy. With 2016 now underway, employers are beginning to plan their labour needs for the summer and should consider providing opportunities for Canadian youth. Proactive businesses will have the ability to capitalize on incentives for youth summer internships, including the Canada Summer Jobs program. It’s important that businesses apply now for summer 2016 internships.
Employers across Canada have been able to access Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) government grants for hiring students. Small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and public-sector employers can receive up to $300,000 to offset the wages of students provided with summer employment opportunities.
Due to the competitive and time-sensitive application process, businesses and organizations must ensure to submit an application by March 11, 2016.
Canada Summer Jobs: Canadian Government Grants Details
The Canada Summer Jobs program will provide small business and public-sector employers with funding to support up to 50% of provincial minimum wages for each student provided with summer employment. The total funding contribution is raised to 100% of provincial minimum wage for not-for-profit (NFP) employers.
Private and public sector employers are required to pay Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs) for employees funded through the program. This often includes (but is not limited to) Employment Insurance, vacation pay, pension plan contributions, and health insurance. Not-for-profit applicants are able to recover the cost of MERCs through funding from Canada Summer Jobs.
Positions can start between May 9, 2016 and July 17, 2016, and must provide youth employment for a consecutive period of 6-16 weeks. All positions must conclude by August 27, 2016.
Employers must act quickly on this Canadian government funding opportunity; as one of the most popular national hiring incentives, so the evaluation period is competitive.
Find Business Hiring Incentives: Search a collection of Canadian government grants for expanding your workforce. Using the Wage Subsidy Identifier tool, find the hiring incentive that provides the most benefits.
Employers Eligible for the Canada Summer Jobs Program
A wide range of private, public, and not-for-profit employers are eligible for Canada Summer Jobs, including:
Employers in the Private Sector (Canadian Small Businesses)
Private sector employers must maintain 50 or fewer full-time (30 hours per week or longer) employees within the country to be eligible. This group of employers includes:
- Incorporated or unincorporated businesses;
- Entrepreneurs;
- Cooperatives;
- Crown corporations operating in a competitive environment; and
- Educational and private health institutions.
Not-for-Profit Employers
NFP employers are organizations not driven by financial gain, and serve a purpose to build the community or provide service for others. Eligible not-for-profit organizations include:
- Community and charitable organizations;
- Professional or industrial organizations;
- Religious organizations;
- Canadian Chambers of Commerce;
- Labour relations committees;
- Canada Revenue Agency registered not-for-profit organizations, including charities; and
- Ad hoc groups not operating for the generation of revenue.
Employers in the Public Sector
Public sector employers are those who receive 50% or more of their operating revenue from the federal or provincial governments. This group of employers includes:
- Health facilities including senior citizen homes, nursing homes, and public hospitals;
- School boards and public education institutions;
- Public universities and colleges providing degree programs;
- Public community colleges; and
- Municipal governments.
Student Employees Eligible for Hiring with Canada Summer Jobs
Student candidates must also meet program qualifications to become approved for Canada Summer Jobs funding. Eligible candidates are those who are:
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered refugee;
- Legally capable of working in Canada, in accordance with federal and provincial law;
- Aged between 15 and 30 years when the summer internship begins; and
- Registered as a full-time student in the 2015 school year, with the intention of returning to school in Fall 2016.
Canada Summer Jobs: Key Impacts Required for Internship Positions
Applications are assessed based on how well an employer’s position will meet Canada Summer Jobs’ objectives and selection criteria. CSJ places high priority on files that:
- Provide quality work experiences for students (providing career-related experience, hiring priority students such as those with disabilities, Aboriginals; or members of a visible minority);
- Support organizations providing services essential to the well-being of the community; and
- Support regional or immediate community needs.
Apply for Canada Summer Jobs Grants for Hiring Students
Small businesses, the public sector, and not-for-profits are encouraged to apply for Canada Summer Jobs early in the year to access funding before its depleted. Applications must be submitted prior to March 11, 2016, however earlier application is advised.
Eligible applicants interested in saving 50%-100% of wages for student employees should contact Mentor Works and discuss how to get started with the application process.
