Indigenous Workforce Development Stream
The Indigenous Workforce Development Program funds salaries/wages and the employer's portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs for a limited-term internship position of 52 weeks for candidates who identify as an Indigenous person. Businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations located in Northern Ontario can apply.
Offered by Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
Amount
Up to $52,500
For eligible businesses, a conditional contribution of up to 75% of an Indigenous intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs to a maximum of $52,500 per year. For municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations, up to 90% to a maximum of $35,000 per year.
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
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 minimum of one full-time employee.
An organization is eligible for two internship positions at a given time.
Colleges, universities and research institutions (as defined by NOHFC) may be eligible for up to up to five research positions, in addition to two regular internship positions.
An eligible business is potentially eligible for a two-year internship where the intern must complete a minimum number of hours of professional experience (greater than 52 weeks of full-time employment) for a certification, designation, or registered apprenticeship. A separate application for second-year funding is required.
- All organizations are responsible for recruiting appropriate internship candidates.
- A fair and transparent selection process must be conducted by the organization for
each position. Exceptions may be made for apprenticeship internships.
- Organizations cannot hire immediate family members or relatives of owners and
directors. Exceptions may be made in smaller, Northern communities with a limited labour base.
- The intern must be provided with direct onsite supervision.
About the funding
For eligible municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations funding is in the form of a conditional contribution up to 90% of an Indigenous intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs to a maximum of $35,000 per year.
For eligible businesses, funding in the form of a conditional contribution of up to 75 % of an Indigenous intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs to a maximum of $52,500 per year.
Payment will generally be made on a cost-incurred basis with payments made at six months and the end of the internship.
NOHFC funding under this program, when combined with other provincial and federal government sources, will generally not exceed 90% of eligible costs for municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit employers, and 75% of eligible costs for businesses hiring an indigenous intern.
Show all funding details
Funding for each project is determined by the NOHFC Board of Directors, and limited funding is available. Not all projects meeting the criteria will necessarily be approved.
Salaries/wages and employer’s portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs) (e.g.: Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, mandatory minimum vacation pay, as per Employment Standards Act) for a limited-term internship position of 52 weeks (with at least 35 hours of work per week) for candidates that:
- Identify as an Indigenous person, including First Nation, Metis, or Inuit.
- Are new entrants into the work force, are transitioning to a new career, or the
unemployed or underemployed who are entering a new field;
- Have not previously participated in a NOHFC-funded internship;
- Are at least 18 years of age; and
- Reside, and be legally entitled to work, in Canada.
- An employer that hires an apprentice under a registered apprenticeship program is
eligible for funding provided that all program eligibility criteria are met.
An employer that hires an apprentice under a registered apprenticeship program is eligible for funding provided that all program eligibility criteria are met.
Only eligible project costs for 52 weeks of work will be reimbursed under this program.
An extended placement period (up to 18 months) will be considered for apprenticeship internships to accommodate any necessary off-site training and/or educational requirements. Only 52 weeks of work are eligible for reimbursement within an extended placement.
Similar programs
| Program | Type | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Development Program: Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream | Grant, Loan | Up to 15% of eligible project costs | Open |
| TalentEdge Fellowship Program (TFP) Stream | Grant | Up to $70,000 | Open |
| TalentEdge Internship Program (TIP) Stream | Grant | Up to $60,000 | Open |
| Workforce Development Stream | Grant | Businesses: conditional contribution of up to 50% of an intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs to a maximum of $35,000 per year (up to 90% for municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations) | Open |
