Financial assistance for workforce training in northern communities

• Financial assistance covers up to 50% of eligible project costs.
• Funding is limited to $200,000 per project for qualifying training development or implementation, and $100,000 for workplace mentorship projects.
• For projects involving private companies, these companies must contribute at least 25% of eligible project costs.
• The total grant awarded will be determined by accounting for all other government aid sources included in the project financing.

• The applicant must be one of the following: a non-profit organization, an incorporated organization, a cooperative, a mutual with similar activities to a non-profit, a legally constituted company in Quebec or Canada, an Indigenous band council or Indigenous community, a northern village corporation, an Inuit landholding corporation, a municipality, a regional county municipality (MRC), a municipal body, a governmental organization, or a recognized educational institution.
• The project must be carried out north of the 49th parallel in Quebec's northern territory or benefit communities or businesses located in that area.
• The project must address workforce training needs and align with labour market priorities specific to northern communities.
• The applicant must demonstrate that efforts have been made to secure complementary funding and that the project requires support from this grant to be completed.

Who is eligible?

• Non-profit organizations (NPOs) and incorporated organizations
• Cooperatives
• Mutuals with activities similar to non-profits
• Legally constituted businesses in Quebec or Canada
• Band councils and Indigenous communities
• Northern village corporations, northern villages, and Inuit landholding corporations
• Municipalities, regional county municipalities (MRCs), and municipal sector organizations
• Government organizations
• Regional administrations such as Baie-James Administration, Kativik Regional Administration, Cree Nation Government, and Eeyou Istchee Baie-James Regional Government
• Educational institutions recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education

Who is not eligible

• Businesses submitted by an individual (person, not a registered organization or enterprise).
• Organizations listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
• Companies whose projects concern infrastructure development.
• Organizations whose activities or projects are contrary to government policies.

Eligible expenses

• Operating expenses for project implementation, such as salaries and other remunerations, and occasional rental costs.
• Expenses related to internships, including student remuneration, scholarships, subsistence, and supervision costs.
• Acquisition or rental of materials and equipment necessary for the project.
• Professional fees for external services required for the project.
• Administrative costs directly linked to project delivery.
• Travel and accommodation expenses directly associated with the project.

Eligible geographic areas

• Projects implemented north of the 49th parallel in the Nordic territory of Quebec.
• Communities or businesses established in the Nordic territory of Quebec.

• Need for additional funding demonstrated by the applicant.
• Respect for labor market priorities and the needs of northern communities.
• Complementarity of the project with other existing government programs.
• Absence of prior funding for a similar project within the last three years, except in the case of innovation or novelty.
• Compliance with government policies and adherence to applicable laws and regulations.

• Applicants are required to demonstrate that other funding sources have been sought before applying.
• For projects involving private companies, a minimum 25% financial contribution from these companies is required.
• The date of postmark may serve as the official date of submission for mailed applications.
• Some projects may require an audit report from an accredited external auditor as part of final reporting.