ECO Canada — Environmental Employability Pathways

📋 Eligible Entities - For-profit businesses of all sizes - Non-profit organizations and charities - Social enterprises - Public sector employers (government agencies, schools, municipalities) - Indigenous businesses and organizations - Business must be based in Canada and have a valid business number - No specific industry restrictions, though environmental sector alignment is preferred but not required ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant Amount: Up to $12,000 per intern - Coverage Ratio: Employer covers 50% of intern salary; grant covers remaining 50% - Repayability: Non-repayable grant — no repayment obligation - Matching Requirement: Yes — employer must contribute 50% of eligible salary costs - Employment Type: Covers both part-time and full-time intern positions - Duration: Typically 12-16 weeks (varies by program intake) - Frequency: Can hire multiple interns per fiscal year if funds available ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Intern wages/salary (50% of gross eligible wages) - Benefits (employer-paid health, dental, vision if included in compensation package) - Payroll taxes and CPP contributions attributable to intern salary - Costs must be for direct compensation to the hired intern only - Cannot fund: training programs, equipment, overhead, or employer staff salaries ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Intern Eligibility: Applicant must face employment barriers (e.g., youth unemployment, recent graduate, visible minority, person with disability, Indigenous person, or other ECO Canada-defined barrier) - Employment Duration: Minimum 12-week commitment required - Wage Requirements: Must pay at least minimum wage; prevailing wage standards apply in some provinces - Reporting Obligations: Employer must track and report hours worked, wages paid, and intern progress milestones - Job Quality Standards: Position must provide meaningful skill development and work experience aligned with career pathway - Funding Release: Payment typically issued upon job start confirmation; final payment contingent on completion reporting