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People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream - Ontario - Canada
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People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream

Wage subsidy to hire interns in Northern Ontario
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 35,000
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada

Overview

Get up to $35,000/year to cover up to 50% of an intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs (for-profit businesses) and up to 90% coverage for not-for-profit organizations.

/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 35,000 $
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Ontario
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Rural or Northern Residents
  • Youth (<40)
  • Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Research
  • Economic, Social and Community Development
  • Employment and Training
Target groups
  • Young adults
  • Indigenous peoples
  • Rural / Remote communities
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
  • Academia / students
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • Local
  • Municipal
  • Regional

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

The Workforce Development Stream encourages partnerships among businesses in Northern Ontario by funding internship positions that address local labor shortages and advance professional skill development. Projects eligible for this grant contribute to the growth of Northern Ontario's workforce by supporting new entrants, career transitioners, and the unemployed or underemployed.

  • Funding salaries and mandatory employment-related costs for 52-week internships.
  • Creating opportunities for individuals not previously involved in NOHFC-funded internships.
  • Offering positions that address labor shortages or develop skilled trades or professions in Northern Ontario.
  • Supporting projects leading to potential full-time, permanent employment.
  • Developing structured work and training plans with direct onsite supervision.
  • Providing support for eligible apprenticeships with necessary off-site training, accommodating extended placement periods.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations located in Northern Ontario that have been in operation for at least one year and have a minimum of one full-time employee are eligible to apply for the Workforce Development Stream grant.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain types of positions and employment opportunities to ensure alignment with its workforce development objectives.

  • Positions that involve general, manual labor or require minimal training.
  • Clerical positions focused on duties like answering phones, filing, or general office work.
  • Retail and general sales positions.

Eligible expenses

This Workforce Development Stream grant facilitates building a stronger workforce in Northern Ontario through internships. The eligible projects focus on providing substantial work experience and skill development for new entrants, career transitioners, and the unemployed or underemployed individuals.

  • Offering internships for new workforce entrants, career transitioners, or the unemployed or underemployed entering a new field.
  • Providing apprenticeship internships that include necessary off-site training or education, with consideration for extended placement periods.
  • Facilitating internships that support participants in achieving certifications, designations, or completing registered apprenticeships requiring more than 52 weeks of full-time experience.
  • Developing positions that address labor shortages or bolster skilled trades and professions in Northern Ontario.
  • Creating fair and transparent selection processes for recruiting suitable internship candidates.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to enterprises and organizations based in Northern Ontario, emphasizing local workforce development through strategic partnerships. Funding is designed to support eligible projects by applying targeted expertise and financial resources.

  • Businesses established within the Northern Ontario region.
  • Municipal entities operating in Northern Ontario.
  • Indigenous communities located in Northern Ontario.
  • Not-for-profit organizations serving communities in Northern Ontario.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

  • Applicants must demonstrate proof of commercial general liability insurance with a certificate from their insurer.
  • Applicants should ensure that the insurance policy includes NOHFC and its representatives as additional insureds.
  • If hiring before receiving funding approval, applicants bear the financial risk if the application is declined.
  • The selection process must be fair and transparent, requiring a public job advertisement.
  • Exceptions to some conditions may apply for apprenticeship internships or small communities with limited labour bases.

Frequently Asked Questions about the People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream. 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 People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream?

Get up to $35,000/year to cover up to 50% of an intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs (for-profit businesses) and up to 90% coverage for not-for-profit organizations.

How much funding can be received?

People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $35,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream program?

To be eligible for the People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream program, you must: The organization must be located in Northern Ontario and have been in operation for at least one year. The organization must have a minimum of one full-time employee.

What expenses are eligible under People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream?

The Workforce Development Stream encourages partnerships among businesses in Northern Ontario by funding internship positions that address local labor shortages and advance professional skill development. Projects eligible for this grant contribute to the growth of Northern Ontario's workforce by supporting new entrants, career transitioners, and the unemployed or underemployed. Funding salaries and mandatory employment-related costs for 52-week internships. Creating opportunities for individuals not previously involved in NOHFC-funded internships. Offering positions that address labor shortages or develop skilled trades or professions in Northern Ontario. Supporting projects leading to potential full-time, permanent employment. Developing structured work and training plans with direct onsite supervision. Providing support for eligible apprenticeships with necessary off-site training, accommodating extended placement periods.

Who can I contact for more information about the People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream?

You can contact Government of Ontario (ON).

Where is the People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream available?

The People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?

People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream is a Wage Subsidies And Interns