
First Nations and Inuit Employment Integration Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
QC, Canada
Get financial assistance to hire Indigenous employees
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $10,000
- Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Wage Subsidies And Interns
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
You could benefit from support for hiring First Nations and Inuit employees to meet the needs of your business, grow your business and enjoy many benefits.
Financing terms and conditions
The First Nations and Inuit Employment Integration Program offers tailored financing options to promote employment among First Nations and Inuit individuals. The modalities are designed to support employers in integrating these individuals into the workforce.
- A salary subsidy covering up to 80% of the gross salary, capped at 100% of the minimum wage for full-time employment (40 hours per week).
- The subsidy duration is up to 52 weeks, extendable to 60 weeks for participants with disabilities.
- A $2,000 subsidy is available for employers to accompany hired individuals.
- Employers can receive up to 100% coverage of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $5,000, for adapting HR practices and tools.
- Reimbursement for up to 100% of direct training costs related to skill development, capped at $5,000 or 80 hours of training.
- General expenses for participants with disabilities can be covered up to a maximum of $10,000.
Activities funded
The First Nations and Inuit Employment Integration Program offers support to employers and individuals through various activities aimed at enhancing employment opportunities. The selected activities focus on providing financial support for employment integration, workplace diversity management, and skill development.
- Subsidization of wages for employed participants up to a specified percentage and duration.
- Provision of a grant for the accompaniment of newly hired employees.
- Funding to support the adaptation of human resource management practices and tools.
- Financial assistance for job-related training and skill enhancement programs.
- Support for additional costs incurred in employing participants with disabilities.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 60,000
Hiring four First Nations individuals and providing culinary training for a restaurant
$ 40,000
Hiring Inuit employees and enhancing accessibility for a community center
$ 50,000
Developing an inclusive HR program and hiring three First Nations employees for a retail store
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant requires the employer and employment to meet certain criteria comparable to those of the PRIIME program.
- The employer must be a small or medium-sized enterprise (PME).
- The employment position should provide good possibilities for retention beyond the duration of the grant.
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.
Selection criteria
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The Program of Assistance for the Integration of First Nations and Inuit Members (PAIPNI) does not explicitly define detailed evaluation and selection criteria for grants. However, it outlines eligibility requirements for both candidates and employers, which serve as implicit criteria for consideration.
- The candidate must be a member of specified First Nations or Inuit communities.
- The candidate must be either without significant work experience or facing obstacles in entering the job market.
- The employer must operate in Quebec, ensuring the support and supervision of the hired individual, and comply with existing legislation.
- The job position must be located in Quebec and can be regular full-time, part-time, or seasonal.
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How to apply
1
Determination of eligibility
Check the eligibility of the participating person according to the criteria defined for members of the First Nations and Inuit.
2
Consultation of the PRIIME guide
Consult the sections of the PRIIME guide that apply and note the specifics pertaining to the PAIPNI.
3
Preparation of the required documents
- Gather eligibility evidence, including a valid Indian status certificate or Inuit beneficiary card.
- Prepare a job description and the proposed terms of employment.
4
Coordination with the Employment and Training Service Center (CSEF)
Collaborate with the local CSEF to support the application and ensure a successful integration.
5
Completion of the application form
Fill out the application form available through the funding agency's portal or directly at their office.
6
Submission of the request
Submit all required documents and forms following the instructions of the organization managing the program.
7
Follow-up and confirmation
- Wait for confirmation of receipt of the request by the organization.
- Follow up with the funding organization if necessary.
Additional information
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the First Nations and Inuit Employment Integration Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the First Nations and Inuit Employment Integration Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the First Nations and Inuit Employment Integration Program?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the First Nations and Inuit Employment Integration Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the First Nations and Inuit Employment Integration Program?
Who is eligible for the First Nations and Inuit Employment Integration Program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the First Nations and Inuit Employment Integration Program?
Where is the First Nations and Inuit Employment Integration Program available?
Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the First Nations and Inuit Employment Integration Program program?

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