First Nations and Inuit Employment Integration Program
QC, Canada
Get financial assistance to hire Indigenous employees
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJuly 24, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Gouvernement du Québec
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grant_card_status|open
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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.
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This grant is aimed at companies operating within a specific region as stipulated by the program's guidelines. Eligibility is limited to certain geographical locations to promote economic inclusion and workforce diversity in these areas.
- Businesses with operations located in Quebec, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$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
Hiring First Nations staff and adapting HR management for a digital marketing company
$45,000
Funding to hire and train two First Nations employees at our tech startup
$50,000
Developing an inclusive HR program and hiring three First Nations employees for a retail store
$36,000
Implement accessibility modifications and hire Inuit staff for an art gallery
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for this grant, companies must meet specific criteria regarding their operations and employment practices.
- All types of businesses operating in Quebec can benefit from the financial aid, except public organizations and political organizations.
- The company must have a registered office or establishment in Quebec, as recognized by the Quebec Business Registry.
- Employers must ensure proper supervision and follow-up for the hired individual.
- The positions offered must be in Quebec.
- The employer must comply with applicable laws and regulations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants under the PAIPNI program include employers based in Quebec, whether they are private businesses or not-for-profit organizations, that are committed to supporting workforce diversity by hiring and integrating members of the First Nations and Inuit communities into their staff, except public organizations and political groups. These employers need to offer jobs within Quebec, direct the employment internally, and comply with existing legislation.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant supports activities that promote the integration of First Nations and Inuit members into the workforce, alongside aiding employers in adapting to a diverse workplace environment. The eligible projects include salary subsidies and additional funding for support and training.
- Salary subsidies for the employment of First Nations and Inuit members, covering up to 80% of the gross salary up to 52 weeks (or 60 weeks for those with disabilities).
- Subsidy for the accompaniment of the newly hired individual, with a maximum of $2,000 available to support this activity.
- Subsidy for adaptation of human resources management practices and tools, covering 100% of eligible costs up to $5,000.
- Subsidy for upskilling training, covering 100% of the direct training costs up to $5,000 or 80 hours of training.
- General expense reimbursement up to $10,000 for adaptations made to facilitate the participation of individuals with disabilities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant allows employers to cover expenses related to the hiring and integration of members of the First Nations and Inuit.
- A portion of the salary of the hired individual, up to 80% of the gross salary or the equivalent of the minimum wage for a maximum of 40 hours per week.
- A portion or the entirety of the salary or fees of the employee responsible for supervising and mentoring the newly hired employee, up to $2,000.
- Direct costs related to supplementary training necessary for the new employee, up to 100% of the costs, with a maximum of $5,000 for up to 80 hours of training.
- Direct costs related to the adaptation of human resources management practices and tools, up to 100% of the costs, with a maximum of $5,000.
- General expenses up to $10,000 for accommodating employees with disabilities, including rental or purchase of equipment and renovation work to improve accessibility.
grant_single_labels|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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grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Verify Pre-Eligibility
- Use the eligibility verification tool provided by the government to assess if your business and the job position qualify for the wage subsidy.
- Step 2: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the Demande de subvention salariale - Entreprise privée or Demande de subvention salariale - OSBL form.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Submit the completed form either by dropping it off or mailing it to your local Service Québec office.
- Step 4: Contact Service Québec
- If necessary, make an appointment with a business services agent at Service Québec to discuss your application or any pre-application questions.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
There are some specific considerations and additional details for the PAIPNI that applicants might find relevant:
- The program is specifically an adaptation from the PRIIME to address the needs of Indigenous and Inuit communities.
- The program aims to create a partnership between employers and Indigenous organizations to support diversity management in the workforce.
- Subsidy amounts are linked to salary minimums, emphasizing fair wage practices.
- Subsidy duration may be adjusted based on the individual's integration challenges and job requirements.
- For participants with disabilities, the program offers extended support and financial coverage for accessibility-related costs.
- The PAIPNI includes specific details on eligibility related to certain Indigenous nations and their residency status.
Apply to this program
Enhancing Employment Opportunities for First Nations and Inuit in Quebec
The Program for the Integration of First Nations and Inuit (PAIPNI) offers financial aid to Quebec-based employers for hiring members of these communities, supporting workforce diversification and development. This initiative aligns economic needs with social responsibilities, facilitating meaningful employment and helping individuals overcome barriers to entering the labor market.
Detailed Insights into PAIPNI and Its Strategic Role
The Program for the Integration of First Nations and Inuit (PAIPNI) serves as a strategic initiative by the Quebec government to address employment challenges faced by Indigenous communities. By collaborating with private sector employers, the PAIPNI aims to provide a structured pathway for members of First Nations, such as Abénaquis, Algonquins, and others, as well as Inuit individuals, to secure sustainable employment in environments that are both supportive and conducive to their long-term career development.
This program is uniquely designed to bridge the gap between labor force requirements and the skilled individuals available within these communities. While the main goal is to provide employment opportunities, the underlying objective is to ensure that these roles offer potential for retention beyond the subsidized period. The financial assistance focuses on alleviating the initial employment costs and making it attractive for businesses to integrate these individuals into their workforce.
This includes a wage subsidy covering up to 80% of the gross salary, which can extend for a period of up to 52 weeks, ensuring that the hired individuals have ample time to integrate effectively into the workplace. Moreover, for those with disabilities, the subsidy may extend up to 60 weeks, providing additional support tailored to their specific needs. This flexibility ensures that those who need more time to adapt to the workplace can do so without financial pressure on their employers. The program also allocates funds for job-related training and adjustments to workplace practices, fostering a more inclusive environment.
The PAIPNI not only covers wages but can also support costs related to the accompanying employee who mentors and integrates the new hire. This mentor’s support is crucial in creating an inclusive work environment and enhancing the new employee’s understanding and capability within the job. Furthermore, specific funding is available for adaptations to human resources practices and management tools, which ensures that workplaces remain adaptable to the diverse needs of their employees.
For employers, this program is not only a financial benefit but a chance to diversify their workforce and strengthen their commitment to social responsibility. It encourages businesses to implement diverse hiring strategies and actively participate in building bridges between different cultural groups in Quebec. The partnership approach advocated by the program also aims to strengthen ties between employers and Indigenous organizations, facilitating a cooperative environment that can lead to better employment practices and understanding.
The long-term vision of PAIPNI is to empower First Nations and Inuit members by equipping them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities necessary to thrive in the modern labor market. By fostering such integration, the program supports broader government objectives of building a more inclusive and diverse workforce. For the participating businesses, these efforts not only support economic performance but also create an enriched, socially responsible corporate culture.
Ultimately, the PAIPNI stands as a model for inclusive employment strategies, demonstrating a scalable approach to integrating Indigenous talent into the broader economy while honoring their cultural uniqueness. As the program continues to evolve, it offers significant potential for contributing to the economic and social fabric of Quebec, ensuring that First Nations and Inuit members have a prominent place within it.
