Canada-Manitoba Job Grant Program: Applications Now Open

Employers in Manitoba now have the opportunity to apply for funding support through the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant Program. This cost-shared initiative is designed to help businesses cover training expenses for new and existing employees, with the goal of developing a highly skilled workforce, strengthening the provincial economy, and creating more employment opportunities.

What Employers Can Receive

Eligible employers can access up to 75% of direct training costs, with funding capped at $10,000 per individual trainee and up to $100,000 per employer.

To qualify, employers must guarantee that a job is available for new trainees upon completion of the training. For existing employees, the training should focus on upgrading skills to help them progress into better roles or meet specific workplace needs.

Who Can Apply

Applications are open to:

• Private businesses and sole proprietors
• Non-profit organizations
• Industry associations and sector councils
• Groups of employers
• Union halls
• First Nations and municipal governments

However, certain applicants are not eligible, including:

• Businesses that have already received three Job Grants within the last five years
• Current recipients of other provincial business or industry training programs
• Employers not meeting all eligibility requirements
• K-12 schools and provincially/federally funded post-secondary institutions
• Federal, provincial, or territorial governments and their agencies

Eligible Training Participants

The program covers a wide range of participants, including:

• Canadian citizens and permanent residents
• Full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees
• Unemployed individuals preparing for employment
• Refugees, provincial nominees, and immigrants with valid work permits
• Employees living in other provinces but working in Manitoba

Not eligible are Temporary Foreign Workers, student visa holders, volunteers, contract workers, or employees of Manitoba companies working outside the province or country.

Training and Providers

Training must be provided by a qualified third-party trainer and may take place:

• In the workplace
• Online
• In classrooms or training facilities

Recognized providers include:

• Post-secondary institutions
• Private vocational schools
• Industry associations and sector councils
• Union halls
• Equipment manufacturers
• Certified private trainers

The curriculum, trainer qualifications, and necessary equipment or materials may be reviewed to confirm eligibility.

Eligible Training Costs

Employers can receive reimbursement for expenses such as:

• Tuition and mandatory student fees
• Textbooks, software, and training materials
• Examination fees
• Travel costs for participants from northern or remote communities

Funding is tiered by company size:

• Employers with 100 or fewer employees can claim up to 75% of eligible costs
• Employers with 101 or more employees can claim up to 50% of eligible costs

Employer Responsibilities

Employers are required to pay the training provider upfront and later apply for reimbursement. They must also submit:

• A Training Plan Report
• A Training Evaluation
• Proof of full payment of eligible training expenses

Deadline

Applications for the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant Program are open until December 31, 2025.

For full details and application procedures, employers are encouraged to visit the official Manitoba Government portal.