Rural Enhancement Employment Program
The purpose of the Rural Enhancement Employment Program (REEP) is to increase and stimulate economic activity and business development among PEI rural businesses, while increasing long-term rural-based employment opportunities by providing a wage subsidy to rural PEI businesses.
Offered by Ministry of Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population
Amount
Up to 50% of a position up to a rate of $18/hour (inclusive of vacation pay) for up to 20 weeks based on a 40-hour week, plus up to 50% of the employer's share of Mandatory Employers Related Costs (MERCS)
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
To be eligible, the applicant must:
- Be a registered private business.
- Be located outside of the Greater Charlottetown area (including Stratford and Cornwall) and the Urban Core of Summerside.
Eligible positions:
- Jobs that strengthen rural community capacity and/or enhance the rural economy; the program can also be used to train and mentor new staff.
Limits:
- Approved applicants are only eligible to receive support for one position per fiscal year and for up to two years in a three-year cycle.
- Activities must be completed by March 31, 2027.
About the funding
Private Sector Businesses: The program will fund up to 50% of a position up to a rate of $18.00/hour (inclusive of vacation pay) for up to 20 weeks based upon funding of a 40-hour week. Up to 50% of the employerβs share of Mandatory Employers Related Costs (MERCS) such as EI, CPP, and Workers Compensation premiums can also be covered.
ο· Approved applicants will receive 50% of the approved funds after returning one signed copy of the
agreement. The final payment or balance of actual expenditure incurred(whichever is less) will be disbursed upon completion of the project and verification of the required documents.
Businesses funded by this program
101 businesses funded since 2021
10 most recent recipients
| Business | Location | Fiscal year |
|---|---|---|
| 103001 P.E.I. INC. DBA "JSK PROPERTY SERVICE" | PE | 2025β26 |
| 103039 PEI INC. | PE | 2025β26 |
| AMAC ELECTRIC (2004) LTD. | PE | 2025β26 |
| AMP ELECTRICAL INC. | PE | 2025β26 |
| AVONDALE GOLF (2003) INCORPORATED | PE | 2025β26 |
| B.G. CONSTRUCTION LTD. | PE | 2025β26 |
| BC REPAIRS INC. | PE | 2025β26 |
| BELFAST MINI MILLS LIMITED | PE | 2025β26 |
| BILL KOUGHAN AUTO BODY LTD. DBA CSN - KOUGHAN | PE | 2025β26 |
| BLACK & WHITE REFRIGERATION INC | PE | 2025β26 |
Source: Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island, tabled estimates and budget documents.
Similar programs
| Program | Type | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employ PEI – For Employers | Subsidy | Wage subsidy of up to 50% of the new employee's wages, to a maximum contribution of $12.50 per hour, for a maximum of 20 weeks | Open |
| Graduate mentorship – For Employers | Subsidy | Wage subsidy of up to 50% of the wages, to a maximum of $12.50 per hour, for 52 weeks per new employee | Open |
| Science and Technology Internship Program: Green Jobs | Grant | No fixed amount | Open |
| Future Fisher Program | Subsidy, Grant | Interest relief of up to $4,000 per year for three years, to a maximum contribution of $12,000 (2% per year with Grade 12 or 1% per year without, on loans up to $200,000), plus up to $1,000 per applicant toward training costs, normally cost-shared 50-50 | Open |
