Targeted Wage Subsidy Program

What is it?

The program encourages employers to hire people who face barriers to employment (people they might not otherwise hire) by offering a temporary wage subsidy. It is designed to provide on-the-job work experience to unemployed people who are, or have recently been eligible to receive Employment Insurance and are experiencing difficulty in finding work.

What is the benefit to your company?

If approved, the employer can receive up to 60% of the total wages paid to the individual for the period of the agreement. The duration of the work term is based on the individual's employment needs as determined by his Return to Work Action Plan (RTWAP) and can be up to 78 weeks.

Who Qualifies?

Eligible employers are:

• Businesses, non-profit organizations, municipalities, First Nation councils, public health and educational institutions
• Other criteria may apply.

Individual job seekers who have either:

• Established a claim for Employment Insurance benefits or their Employment Insurance benefit period ended within the past three years
• Established a claim for Employment Insurance maternity or parental benefits and were paid benefits within the past five years, and are re-entering the labour force after having left it to care for newborn or newly adopted children.
• Other criteria may apply.

How do I apply?

• Eligible individuals can apply to participate in Targeted Wage Subsidies through their Service Canada Centre. Individuals may also complete the application form (EMP5335) prior to visiting the local office.
• Employers must submit an application to their Service Canada Centre. Employers may also complete the application form prior to visiting the local office.

Where can I find more information?

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities is responsible for this program.
Call the toll-free Employment Ontario hotline at 1-800-387-5656, or 416-326-5656 in Toronto, for the contact and location information of the employment and training services in your area. You may also visit www.edu.gov.on.ca for more information.