Youth employment is a critical issue, and the Canadian government has several initiatives aimed at supporting employers in hiring young individuals. In 2026, Ontario businesses can access various grants and wage subsidies designed to encourage youth employment. These programs not only provide financial support but also help create valuable work experiences for young people.
The Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program is a federal initiative that provides funding to employers who hire students aged 15-30 during the summer months. The CSJ covers up to 50% of the provincial minimum wage for private sector employers and up to 100% for non-profit organizations and public sector entities.
To be eligible, your organization must offer full-time positions (20-40 hours per week) lasting between 6 and 16 weeks. Applications are submitted through Service Canada by a specific deadline each year. For the 2026 program, applications were due in February 2026.
For more information on how to apply for this program, visit Service Canada's website.
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is designed for employers who hire secondary school co-op students into apprenticeships. This program offers a $1,000 signing bonus per eligible student to help cover the costs of hiring and training young apprentices.
OYAP is administered through local school boards in partnership with Employment Ontario. To participate, you will need to work closely with your local school board to identify potential candidates and ensure compliance with program requirements.
The Skills Development Fund (SDF), administered by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, provides grants for employer-driven training programs. This fund includes a priority focus on youth employment initiatives.
To apply for SDF funding, you must submit a competitive grant application through the Ontario government's website at Ontario.ca. The process involves outlining your training program and demonstrating how it will benefit youth employment in Ontario.
The Workforce Development Agreement (WDA) programs, managed through Employment Ontario Service providers, offer subsidized wage programs for hiring individuals who are receiving Employment Insurance (EI). These programs can be particularly beneficial for employers looking to hire young people who may be EI recipients.
For more information on WDA programs and how to access local support, visit Employment Ontario's website.
To find local support for youth employment initiatives in Ontario, you can contact your nearest Employment Ontario Service provider. These providers offer a range of services and resources tailored to the needs of employers and job seekers in your community.
To successfully apply for these programs, follow these tips:
By leveraging these programs, Ontario employers can create valuable employment opportunities for young people while receiving financial support. For more detailed information on each program, visit the respective government websites listed above.
For private-sector employers, Canada Summer Jobs covers 50% of the federal or provincial minimum wage (whichever is higher) for eligible positions. Not-for-profit and public-sector employers can receive up to 100% of the minimum wage. Employers must apply through Service Canada's portal, typically by the February deadline each year.
Yes. Canada Summer Jobs and Ontario apprenticeship programs can be stacked with some Employment Ontario wage subsidy programs. However, you generally cannot receive two wage subsidies for the exact same employee-hours from two federal or two provincial programs simultaneously. Check with your Employment Ontario service provider for current stacking rules.
OYAP connects Grade 11 and 12 students with employers for paid apprenticeship placements. Students earn co-op credits while you train a future skilled tradesperson. Contact your local school board's cooperative education department or Employment Ontario office to become a registered OYAP employer. The $1,000 signing bonus is paid after the student registers as an apprentice.
No strict minimum for most programs. Canada Summer Jobs is open to employers of all sizes including sole proprietors. The Skills Development Fund is competitive and typically favours employers who can train multiple employees. Employment Ontario wage subsidies are available to businesses of any size.
Visit Ontario.ca/employment-ontario or call Employment Ontario at 1-800-387-5656. Service providers operate across Ontario and can connect you to wage subsidies, apprenticeship support, and Canada Summer Jobs administration assistance at no cost to you.