Canada-Ontario Job Grant

The Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) provides financial support to employers to help cover the cost of training for current or new employees, with a focus on improving workforce skills, adaptability, and job advancement opportunities across Ontario.

Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities

Overview of the Canada-Ontario Job Grant program:

COJG is a cost-sharing training grant offered jointly by the federal and provincial governments, designed to support Ontario employers in developing their workforce. Through this program, employers can receive up to $10,000 per employee to cover third-party training costs that result in skills development and job enhancement. The program encourages participation from small businesses and supports inclusive hiring, including training for newcomers, youth, and underrepresented groups. Applications are made through an online portal or through Employment Ontario service providers.

Benefits of the Canada-Ontario Job Grant program:

Up to $10,000 per employee for eligible training
Helps employers improve staff skills to match job requirements
Reduces training costs for employers
Encourages new hiring and onboarding of unemployed workers
Supports workforce development in priority sectors and local economies
Available to businesses of all sizes, including not-for-profits
Application support provided by Employment Ontario service providers
Streamlined application process via COJG Online Portal

Eligibility criteria of the Canada-Ontario Job Grant program:

Eligible Employers Must:
Be licensed to operate in Ontario
Have insurance and comply with labor laws
Be contributing to the training cost
Be offering employment in Ontario upon training completion
Use a third-party trainer
Currently the ministry is only accepting training applications for 25 or less participants.
Eligible Participants Must:
Be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons
Be residents of Ontario
Be either:
- Current employees (for upskilling)
- Unemployed individuals (if the employer intends to hire them after training)
Not Eligible If:
Training is delivered in-house or not from an approved trainer
Applicant is self-employed without employees
Organization is federally or provincially funded and receiving other subsidies for the same training