Open
Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth
Wage subsidy for housing internships
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
A wage subsidy for organizations in the housing sector to hire Indigenous youth for internships. It supports housing-related work experience and on-the-job training in roles such as housing administration, maintenance, construction, renovation, tenant relations, and trades apprenticeships.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Real estate and rental and leasing
- Other services (except public administration)
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Housing administration or management internships.
- Housing maintenance internships.
- Construction and renovation internships.
- Tenant relations internships.
- Trades apprenticeship internships.
Documents Needed
- Project Cost Table, if applying for more than one intern.
- Youth Intern Profile Form.
- Outcomes Form.
- Payment Request Form.
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments and affiliated organizations.
- Public or not-for-profit Indigenous organizations.
- For-profit Indigenous businesses.
- Public, private or not-for-profit non-Indigenous employers hiring First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth.
Eligible expenses
- Wage subsidies for interns, including mandatory payroll expenses.
- Safety equipment costs, up to the allowed limit per intern.
- Skills training activities or curriculum needed for the internship.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Ability to provide meaningful on-the-job training, supervision, and mentorship.
- Capacity to offer a safe, inclusive, and culturally supportive workplace.
- Ability to hire the intern for the required internship period.
- Clarity of the internship duties, training support, and expected outcomes.
How to apply
- Step 1: Confirm eligibility
- Review the program requirements and make sure your organization and internship fit the program.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Log in to the CMHC Housing Portal.
- Complete the required fields and evaluation questions.
- Upload the Project Cost Table if applying for multiple interns.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Review the application carefully.
- Select “Submit Now” once all sections are complete.
- Wait for the application receipt by email.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a CMHC Indigenous and the North Housing Solutions representative to confirm eligibility and assess funding allocation.
- CMHC may contact applicants if more information is needed; missing information must be replied to within 10 business days.
- Approved applicants receive a Contribution Agreement that must be reviewed, signed, and returned by the deadline.
- After submission of the Youth Profile Form, CMHC issues the initial 50% advance payment.
- At the end of the internship, CMHC reviews the Outcomes Form and Payment Request Form before issuing the final 50% advance payment.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth Program
What is the Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth?
A wage subsidy for organizations in the housing sector to hire Indigenous youth for internships. It supports housing-related work experience and on-the-job training in roles such as housing administration, maintenance, construction, renovation, tenant relations, and trades apprenticeships.
Who is eligible for the Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth program?
To be eligible for the Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth program, you must:
Housing-sector organizations and employers
On-the-job training capacity
8- to 52-week internship
What expenses are eligible under Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth?
Housing administration or management internships.
Housing maintenance internships.
Construction and renovation internships.
Tenant relations internships.
Trades apprenticeship internships.
Who can I contact for more information about the Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth?
You can contact Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Where is the Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth available?
The Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth program is available across Canada.
Is the Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth is a Wage Subsidies And Interns
Who are the financial supporters of the Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth?
Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth is funded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)