The Manitoba government has announced the opening of applications for the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant, offering funding for businesses to train new and current employees.
This initiative, overseen by Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses, aims to support workforce development despite recent federal funding cuts, the province said.
“Our government was extremely disappointed by the federal government’s sudden and unilateral decision to cut funding for workforce training,” said Moses. “As a result of the federal decision, this year the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant will be reduced by 70 per cent. We are continuing to advocate strongly to the federal government for the restoration of supports for workers. The Canada-Manitoba Job Grant has very successfully supported Manitoba businesses, particularly small businesses, to train employees and build a skilled provincial workforce over the last number of years. While there is less funding to go around this year, we encourage all eligible businesses to apply.”
The Canada-Manitoba Job Grant, previously backed by $10 million annually, will now see a significant reduction to $3 million in available funds. This adjustment comes after the federal government’s decision to cut funding, a move that has spurred provincial advocacy for the reinstatement of financial support for workforce training.
Under the grant program, employers can receive up to $10,000 per employee and up to $100,000 per training project. The grant covers up to 75 per cent of eligible training costs for small employers with 100 or fewer employees and up to 50 per cent for larger employers.
Last year, the job grant benefitted 485 companies and organizations, 85 per cent of which were small employers. A total of 9,615 employees received training, including 763 net new hires. The program supported training projects across 19 economic sectors and all regions of Manitoba.
Applications for the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant will be accepted starting July 24. For more information, visit www.gov.mb.ca/jec/busdev/financial/cmjg/index.html