Canada Summer Jobs 2027 funding now open to employers through December 3
Employers can apply for wage subsidies to hire youth aged 15–30 this summer. A new two-year operating requirement applies to most applicants.
Govgrant newsroomOctober 27, 2026 · 2 min read
- Funding available for
- Not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers, and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees
- Youth eligible to hire
- Ages 15–30
- Application deadline
- December 3, 2026
- Notification date
- Beginning of April 2027
- New eligibility rule
- Organizations must have been operating for at least two years (unless they had an approved 2026 agreement)
What was announced
Employers across Canada can now apply for the Canada Summer Jobs program to receive wage subsidies for hiring young workers during the 2027 summer season. The application window opened in late October and closes on December 3, 2026, marking an earlier start than in previous years. Successful applicants will be notified in early April 2027.
The program supports employers in creating quality work experiences for youth and has a track record of generating local employment; in the Perth–Wellington region alone, over 300 jobs were created through the program in the previous summer.
Who can apply
The program is open to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers, and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. A new requirement has been introduced for 2027: applicants must have been operating for at least two years. However, organizations that received an approved funding agreement in 2026 are exempt from this rule.
How the funding works
Canada Summer Jobs provides wage subsidies to help employers offset the cost of hiring youth aged 15 to 30. The subsidies are designed to enable businesses and organizations to create meaningful summer employment opportunities that give young workers valuable skills and work experience.
Next steps for employers
Interested employers should visit the official Canada Summer Jobs website to access the 2027 application package and full program details. The complete application package and eligibility criteria are available at https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html. Applications must be submitted before the December 3 deadline to be considered.
Frequently asked questions
Are businesses with more than 50 employees eligible?
No. The program is limited to small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, as well as not-for-profit organizations and public-sector employers.
What if my organization has been operating for less than two years?
The two-year operating requirement applies to most applicants in 2027. However, if your organization received an approved Canada Summer Jobs funding agreement in 2026, you are exempt from this rule.
When will I know if my application was successful?
Applicants can expect to receive notification of funding decisions beginning in early April 2027.
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