New Wage Subsidy Funding for Hiring Youth in Agriculture

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, yesterday announced an investment of up to $9.2 million to enhance the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) and fund up to 700 new positions for youth in the agriculture industry.

What is the Program?

The Youth Employment and Skills Program provides a wage subsidy to employers who hire youth (aged 15-30) for agricultural jobs.  This program aims to provide youth, and particularly youth facing barriers to employment, with job experience in agriculture that will provide career-related work experience.

The program offers support for 50% of wages to a maximum of $14,000.  Additionally, the program offers 100% of costs for relocation to a maximum of $5,000 if the employee must relocate for the position.

Learn more about the program here.

Eligibility

Eligible employers

Eligible employers are agricultural related organizations such as farmers, food processors and agricultural related non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who can offer opportunities that will give youth agriculture career-related work experiences and skills in Canada. Note: Eligible applicants must be legal entities capable of entering into legally binding agreements.

More details on eligibility are available here.

How to Apply

Employers can apply on or after May 26, 2020 for their project to be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funds are available.

Before you apply, read the Applicant guide for detailed information on eligibility criteria, support and funding available, and the application process. The full steps on how to apply are available here.