Administered by Government of Canada · Last verified: July 2026
Wage subsidy for hiring youth aged 15 to 30. Covers up to half of an entry-level salary, more for under-represented groups. Designed to give young people their first work experience.
Review times vary by program, from a few weeks to a few months, so check the official page for its timeline. Grant money is usually paid after you sign a funding agreement, and cost-shared programs often reimburse you once you send proof of what you spent.
Take the 3-minute quiz to find out, and see every other Canadian program you qualify for at the same time.
Check my eligibilityYouth Employment and Skills Strategy is generally open to incorporated, self-employed, partnership businesses, in any province or territory. Confirm the full criteria on the official program page before applying.
The estimated value is Up to $30,000 per youth hired. The actual amount depends on your eligible costs, the program's budget, and approval.
1. Find a delivery organization in your region (over 100 across Canada) 2. Submit a proposal with the role and target hire profile 3. Hire the youth once approved 4. Submit claims for wage reimbursement
Rolling: depends on delivery organization.