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Source verified August 11, 2026
Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program
Compensates employers for reservist absences
Funding available
Up to 40% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Employers of reservists in private sector organizations, municipal governments, and provincial and territorial governments.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program provides civilian employers of reservists and self-employed reservists in Canada with one-time support equal to 40% of the Yearly Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE) to offset operational costs from active military service. Eligible support may cover replacement workers, overtime, and business realignment.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Up to 40% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Full-time operational duty (Chief of Defence Staff directed operation)
- Military skills training for a minimum of 30 days
Documents Needed
- A document from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that includes the applicant’s business or registration number.
- Copies of the reservist’s pay stubs for 13 consecutive weeks (3 consecutive months) prior to the leave of absence for active military activity.
- For self-employed reservists: a copy of the most recent financial statements signed by a certified accountant.
- For self-employed reservists: financial statements that include the 13 consecutive weeks (3 consecutive months) prior to the leave of absence for active military activity.
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employers of reservists in private sector organizations, municipal governments, and provincial and territorial governments.
- Self-employed reservists who meet the definition of a reservist.
Who is not eligible
- Employers of reservists and self-employed reservists who do not meet the definition of Primary Reserve and Canadian Rangers.
- Employers of reservists who do not meet the minimum work threshold.
- Employers of reservists who are federal government, federal agency, or Crown Corporation employers.
Eligible expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible expenses include:
- Operational costs incurred by civilian employers when reservist employees deploy on full-time operational duty
- Financial support to offset these operational costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- A business case demonstrating the need for funding.
- A statement from the employer attesting to the operational impact of the reservist employee's deployment.
- Evidence of the reservist employee's deployment orders and duration.
- Confirmation of the salary or wage paid to the reservist employee during deployment.
How to apply
- Complete the Grant Application Package.
- Submit the completed package and required supporting documents via the online application form or by mail.
Processing and Agreement
- You will receive an email receipt within 24 hours of submitting your application.
- All applicants will be notified of the status of their application within 35 days.
- ESDC will notify you in writing of the outcome of the review of your application.
- Once approved and signed by a representative of Canada, the Grant Application Package forms the agreement between Canada and the organization.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The application process is ongoing, allowing submissions at any time as reservist duties conclude.
- The CERP aims to enhance the integration of reservists with the CAF Regular Force, emphasizing dual career paths.
- Outreach efforts are part of the program to promote understanding and appreciation among civilian entities regarding reservists' roles.
- Administrative support is provided by ESDC, while the program itself is a DND initiative.
- The program fosters strengthened relationships between civilian employers and military personnel, contributing to community ties.
- Long-term benefits include enhancing the public image and reputation of the CAF and its reservists.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program Program
What is the Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program?
The Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program provides civilian employers of reservists and self-employed reservists in Canada with one-time support equal to 40% of the Yearly Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE) to offset operational costs from active military service. Eligible support may cover replacement workers, overtime, and business realignment.
How much funding can be received?
Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program program?
To be eligible for the Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program program, you must:
The applicant must be a Canadian employer of a reservist employee who is a member of the Primary Reserve or Canadian Rangers.
The reservist must be deployed on a Chief of Defence Staff directed operation or military skills training for at least 30 days.
The completed package must be submitted within 12 months after the reservist returns, with the required 13-week work or income history.
What expenses are eligible under Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program?
Full-time operational duty (Chief of Defence Staff directed operation)
Military skills training for a minimum of 30 days
Who can I contact for more information about the Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) by email at PDER-CERP@servicecanada.gc.ca or by phone at 1-800-567-9908 / 613-995-8700.
Where is the Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program available?
The Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program is a Grant and Funding