First Nations and Inuit Employment Integration Program

Who is eligible?

This program supports the integration of First Nations and Inuit members into the workforce, specifically targeting those who face barriers entering the job market. Eligible participants must meet specific criteria related to their heritage and employment status.

• Members of specified First Nations, such as Abénaquis, Algonquins, Attikameks, among others, who can provide a valid certificate of Indian status.
• Inuit members possessing a valid beneficiary card under the James Bay Convention.
• Individuals with no significant work experience or facing challenges in accessing the workforce.
• Members of non-treaty First Nations who are eligible if they have undergone preliminary steps with local employment service centers.
• Inuit residing outside the Kativik territory without the need for prior urban service consultation.
• Members of the Cree Nation residing outside their communities, provided they initially sought support within their communities or local service centers.
• Nation Naskapis members, regardless of residence, requiring prior community-based efforts.

Who is not eligible

This grant is not available to certain organizations based on their status or nature of operations, ensuring that the focus remains on private enterprises and nonprofits in Quebec.

• Public organizations are not eligible.
• Political organizations are also excluded from applying.

Eligible expenses

The PAIPNI grant program outlines specific eligible expenses related to employment integration support for First Nations and Inuit individuals.

• A subvention to cover up to 80% of the employee's gross salary, not exceeding the minimum wage.
• A grant of $2,000 for the accompaniment of the hired individual.
• Subsidies up to 100% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $5,000 for adapting HR practices and tools.
• A reimbursement grant for training activities covering up to 100% of direct training costs, up to $5,000 or 80 hours of training.
• General expenses for a disabled participant, up to a maximum of $10,000.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The maximum grant coverage for accompanying and adapting HR practices reaches specific limits, which require careful planning by the employer to ensure all expenses are accounted for within the capped amounts.
• Employers are encouraged to plan the candidate's integration with respect to their adjustment needs and potential extension of the subsidy period, especially for candidates with disabilities.
• Recipient employers should align their employment practices with diversity management to maximize retention and inclusive work environment benefits.