Open
Métis nation labour market funding stream — Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program
Supports Métis employment and skills development
Record updated
- Funding available
- $ 70,000,000
- Up to 100% of project cost
- Deadline
- Open continuously
- Location
- Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $70 million per year per initial recipient to support Métis labour market development. It funds training, employment services, capacity building, and related activities that improve skills, employment, and earnings for Métis people.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $70,000,000
- Maximum share of project costs
- 100%
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Attract or retain talent
- Conduct research and development activities
- Develop workforce skills
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Start a business
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Saskatchewan
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Legal structures
- All legal structures
Start applying for this program
Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Métis Nation and its designated affiliated institutions
- Métis governments
- Not-for-profit Métis Nation affiliated institutions
- For-profit Métis Nation affiliated institutions
- Provincial and territorial governments, institutions, agencies, and Crown corporations
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations with commercial or profit-making activities as their main purpose
Eligible expenses
- Staff wages, benefits, and mandatory employment-related costs.
- Training, professional development, and participant support costs.
- Travel, professional fees, communications, and promotional costs.
- Materials, supplies, tools, equipment, computers, and furniture.
- Overhead and administrative costs directly supporting the funded activities.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Activities funded
- Employment services and career development support for Métis clients.
- Skills training, work experience, and employment readiness activities.
- Capacity building for Métis governments and affiliated institutions.
- Labour market research, partnerships, and employer linkage initiatives.
- Projects that integrate Métis language, culture, and wellness supports.
How to apply
- Step 1: Eligibility review
- Confirm that the organization is an eligible recipient under the program.
- For new recipients, be prepared for a capacity readiness assessment.
- Step 2: Negotiation with the Department
- Participate in negotiations with the Minister or the Department of Employment and Social Development.
- Discuss the proposed agreement and funding approach.
- Step 3: Agreement finalization
- Complete the contribution agreement once terms are confirmed.
- Follow the reporting and funding conditions set in the agreement.
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the program’s objectives and Métis labour market strategy.
- Expected contribution to improved skills, employment, and earnings.
- Capacity of the recipient to deliver services and manage the agreement.
- Use of a joint capacity assessment process for risk-based reporting.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are negotiated with eligible recipients.
- New recipients may go through a capacity readiness assessment and an impact evaluation.
- Reporting requirements are set in each contribution agreement.
- Final reports on results and financial use of funds are required.
Additional information
- Funding is delivered through contribution agreements.
- Final reports on results are required.
- Reporting requirements are set by risk and specified in each agreement.
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions about the Métis nation labour market funding stream — Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program Program
What is the Métis nation labour market funding stream — Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program?
This program provides up to $70 million per year per initial recipient to support Métis labour market development. It funds training, employment services, capacity building, and related activities that improve skills, employment, and earnings for Métis people.
How much funding can be received?
Métis nation labour market funding stream — Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $70,000,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Métis nation labour market funding stream — Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program program?
To be eligible for the Métis nation labour market funding stream — Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program program, you must:
Must be an eligible Métis recipient
Project must support program objectives
For-profit activities must be non-commercial
What expenses are eligible under Métis nation labour market funding stream — Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program?
Staff wages, benefits, and mandatory employment-related costs.
Training, professional development, and participant support costs.
Travel, professional fees, communications, and promotional costs.
Materials, supplies, tools, equipment, computers, and furniture.
Overhead and administrative costs directly supporting the funded activities.
Who can I contact for more information about the Métis nation labour market funding stream — Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Where is the Métis nation labour market funding stream — Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program available?
The Métis nation labour market funding stream — Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program program is available the province of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Saskatchewan.