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Wage Subsidy Program - Northwest Territories - Canada
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Wage Subsidy Program

Funding for employers hiring and training eligible NWT residents
Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (NWT)
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 30,500
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
Northwest Territories, Canada

Overview

The Wage Subsidy Program offers up to $30,500 per client ($30,000 in wage subsidies plus $500 for special equipment) to help Northwest Territories employers hire and train NWT residents with minimal work experience and education. Eligible activities include providing up to 52 weeks of paid work experience and on-the-job training in positions of at least 30 hours per week.
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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
  • Maximum amount : 30,500 $
  • Up to 20% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Other services (except public administration)
  • Public administration
Location
  • Northwest Territories
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • 3 employees maximum
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Rural or Northern Residents
  • Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • All industries
Target groups
  • All the groups
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • All dimensions

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Hiring and providing on-the-job training to Northwest Territories (NWT) residents with minimal work experience and education (up to 52 weeks).
  • Offering structured work experience placements that build workplace essential skills for NWT residents.

Documents Needed

  • Employer Application Form
  • Detailed job description
  • Employee Development Plan
  • Proof of general liability insurance
  • Proof of Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) registration

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Registered businesses
  • Industry associations
  • Local housing authorities
  • Non-government organizations (NGOs)
  • Indigenous organizations
  • Local, municipal, or Indigenous governments

Who is not eligible

  • Federal government positions (this program cannot be used to fund these positions).
  • Territorial government positions (this program cannot be used to fund these positions).
  • Federal and territorial government agencies, including Crown Corporations (not eligible employers under the Employer Programs).

Eligible expenses

  • Employee wages subsidized under the program (up to the current NWT minimum wage rate; based on actual hours worked).
  • Special equipment costs for the employee (up to $500 per client).

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Federal or territorial government positions (including Crown corporations and government agencies)
  • Part-time positions
  • Summer student positions
  • Wages above the Northwest Territories minimum wage rate (the subsidy rate will not exceed minimum wage)
  • Employer mandatory costs/benefits (e.g., vacation leave, statutory holiday pay, sick leave/special leave)

Eligible geographic areas

  • Northwest Territories (Canada).

Processing and Agreement

  • The Regional ECE Service Centre processes and decides on applications.
  • Career Development staff assess requests based on regional labour market priorities, needs, and available budgets.
  • If approved, the employer requests reimbursement monthly through the Regional ECE Service Centre with supporting payroll documentation.
  • The Career Development Officer conducts monitoring during the agreement and completes a 12-week follow-up with the client after course completion.
  • Reimbursement requests must be submitted within three months after the wage subsidy is completed; after that, outstanding reimbursements are no longer available.

Additional information

  • Jobs supported under the program must be at least 30 hours per week and can last up to 52 weeks.
  • Part-time and summer student positions are not supported; seasonal jobs may be considered if there is a reasonable employment guarantee after the subsidy period.
  • The program is not intended to displace existing employees whose wages are not subsidized.
  • An employer cannot have more than three staff receiving a wage subsidy at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Wage Subsidy Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Wage Subsidy 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 Wage Subsidy Program?

The Wage Subsidy Program offers up to $30,500 per client ($30,000 in wage subsidies plus $500 for special equipment) to help Northwest Territories employers hire and train NWT residents with minimal work experience and education. Eligible activities include providing up to 52 weeks of paid work experience and on-the-job training in positions of at least 30 hours per week.

How much funding can be received?

Wage Subsidy Program Funds up to 20% of admissible expenses, capped at $30,500 per project.

Who is eligible for the Wage Subsidy Program program?

To be eligible for the Wage Subsidy Program program, you must: Eligible employer types: registered businesses, industry associations, local housing authorities, NGOs, Indigenous organizations, and local/municipal/Indigenous governments. Registered businesses must have operated at least 6 months (and be licensed in the NWT and registered with WSCC). Employer must apply within 3 months of the individual starting the position.

What expenses are eligible under Wage Subsidy Program?

Hiring and providing on-the-job training to Northwest Territories (NWT) residents with minimal work experience and education (up to 52 weeks). Offering structured work experience placements that build workplace essential skills for NWT residents.

Who can I contact for more information about the Wage Subsidy Program?

You can contact Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (NWT).

Where is the Wage Subsidy Program available?

The Wage Subsidy Program program is available the province of Northwest Territories.

Is the Wage Subsidy Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Wage Subsidy Program is a Wage Subsidies And Interns

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