Funding for Employers

Ontario businesses that hire students enrolled in co-operative education programs at Ontario colleges or universities are eligible for the Co-operate Education Tax Credit.

The 25-30% refundable tax credit is available to Ontario businesses that hire students enrolled in a post-secondary co-operative education program. The maximum credit for each work placement is $3,000.

The MES Program Co-operative Education Office will contact you at the end of the co-op work term to provide you with the documentation required to apply for the credit.

The Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) Powered by Magnet brings together employers, students and post-secondary school stakeholders to create quality work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities. The program is delivered by a range of recognized associations and organizations who represent key industries and sectors in Canada. 

Employers can receive 50% of the wages (to a maximum of $5,000) for each net new placement; and 70% of the wages (to a maximum of $7,000) for each net new placement for under-represented groups including women in STEM, Indigenous students, newcomers, and persons with disabilities, visible minority as well as first-year students.

Funding is limited and administered on a first-come, first-served basis wherein completed applications are prioritized in the order they are received. Employers must submit applications proactively, using the website below.

BioTalent Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) is a paid internship/Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) initiative to provide students on-the-job training at biotechnology or health care organizations.

This employer support program covers the cost of the paid internship salary by 50% (up to a maximum of $5,000); and 70% (up to a maximum of $7,000) for first-year students and under-represented groups including: women in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM); Indigenous students; persons with disabilities; members of a visible minority; and newcomers.

Program capacity is limited and may be reached before the intake deadline. Employers must submit applications proactively, using the website below.

ECO Canada’s Student Work Placement Program assists employers through wage assistance. This program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Employment and Social Development Program. It collaborates with institutions and employers across the country to fund work placements that offer students real-world experience in the environmental field.

This program offers eligible employers 50% and 70%, with funding available up to $5,000 or $7,000 of a student’s salary for placement in a new full or part-time 6 to 16-week position with a minimum of 180 hours. Funding is secured once a match is confirmed between the employer and a pre-approved student and contracts have been signed.

Employers must submit applications proactively, using the website below.

Mitacs Accelerate creates dynamic collaborations that partner for-profit and not-for-profit organizations with Canada’s brightest academic minds. This research award provides leveraged funding of $15,000 CAD per four- or six-month internship, where interns will work collaboratively with their academic supervisor and partner organization on a research project.

The standard funding model requires a partner contribution starting at $7,500 CAD per internship (four or six months) which results in a $15,000 CAD research award. Of this award, the intern must receive a minimum $10,000 CAD stipend or salary.

Employers must submit applications proactively, using the website below.

EcoAction is a national program that funds local action-based projects that produce measurable, positive effects on the environment.

The program features two streams of funding: 1) Community-led Freshwater Action Across Canada, and 2) Freshwater Sustainability and Innovation Across Canada.

Review eligibility criteria for Stream 1 and Stream 2 to determine if your project is eligible for funding. EcoAction Stream 1 can provide funding up to a maximum of $100,000, and a minimum of $25,000. EcoAction Stream 2 can provide a funding contribution of a minimum of $25,000, and a maximum of $200,000.

A minimum of 50% of the total project value must come from sources other than the Government of Canada.

Employers must submit applications proactively, using the website below.

The Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk (HSP) provides funding for projects submitted by Canadians that contribute directly to the recovery objectives and population goals of species at risk listed on schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act and that prevent other species from becoming a conservation concern. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) administers HSP funds that support terrestrial stewardship projects while Fisheries and Oceans Canada is responsible for administering the HSP for Aquatic Species at Risk.

HSP funding is variable and dependent on project activities. To promote collaboration and multi-year projects, the suggested minimum funding request is $25,000. Project funding typically ranges from $25,000 to $100,000 per year.

At least 80% of the program funds must be allocated to projects targeting species listed on schedule 1 of SARA. The remaining funds may be used for projects targeting eligible species not listed on schedule 1.

Employers must submit applications proactively, using the website below.

The Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) is a Government of Canada program administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada to support projects that will benefit Canada’s natural environment, using funds from fines, penalties, court orders and voluntary payments for environmental violations.

Priority is given to projects that restore the natural environment and conserve wildlife. Availability of funding at any given time varies according to the number of court awards and voluntary contributions directed to the EDF.

Employers must submit applications proactively, using the website below.