People & Talent Program - Indigenous Workforce Development Stream

Overview of the People & Talent Program - Indigenous Workforce Development Stream program:

The Indigenous Workforce Development Stream embodies a noble and essential purpose: to fortify and nurture the Indigenous workforce in Northern Ontario. This endeavor is founded on the principle of collaboration, where business partnerships play a pivotal role. Its core strategy involves the provision of internships to Indigenous individuals, a mechanism that not only bolsters professional development but also promotes inclusivity and diversity within the region's workforce.

Benefits of the People & Talent Program - Indigenous Workforce Development Stream program:

• For eligible municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations funding is in the form of a conditional contribution up to 90% of an Indigenous interns salary and employers portion of MERCs to a maximum of $35,000 per year.
• For eligible businesses, funding in the form of a conditional contribution of up to 75 % of an Indigenous interns salary and employers portion of MERCs to a maximum of $52,500 per year.

Eligibility criteria of the People & Talent Program - Indigenous Workforce Development Stream program:

• Businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations located in Northern Ontario that have been in operation for at least one year and have a minimum of one full-time employee.
• Salaries/wages and employers portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs) (e.g.: Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, mandatory minimum vacation pay, as per Employment Standards Act) for a limited-term internship position of 52 weeks (with at least 35 hours of work per week) for candidates that:
• Identify as an Indigenous person, including First Nation, Metis, or Inuit.
• Are new entrants into the workforce, are transitioning to a new career, or the unemployed or underemployed who are entering a new field;
• Have not previously participated in a NOHFC-funded internship;
• Are at least 18 years of age; and
• Reside, and be legally entitled to work, in Canada.