Tax Question:
What is the Canada Job Grant?
Facts:
The Canada Job Grant helps employers train new or existing employees by sharing the cost with the employers. Employers can receive up to two-thirds of the cost of training for current and future employees, up to a maximum government contribution of $10,000 per grant. For example, if an employer has requested training of $3,000, the grant will provide $2,000 and the employer will contribute $1,000.
Discussion:
The Canada Job Grant eligibility and rules vary by province. The Canada-BC Job Grant is funded through The Canada-BC Job Fund Agreement. All BC private sector and not-for profit employers are eligible to apply for the grant. The organization does have to be a legal entity entitled to operate in BC. Each participant included in the application must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident and legally entitled to work in Canada.
The employer may seek funding to upgrade the skills of a current employee or train a new employee. Self-employed individuals can apply for the grant on their own behalf as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. The type of training includes: essential skills, technical, business, management and leadership, and short-term certificate training. The training can take place in a classroom or training facility, a workplace or online. The training must be done by a third-party trainer such as university, trade training center, industry association, or a private trainer.
The training must be completed within 52 weeks of receiving grant approval. Grant approval can take up to 30 days from submission of application. The grant itself covers the training costs such as tuition fees, third-party training fees, textbooks, and examination fees. The employer must pay for the approved training costs and they will be reimbursed between 30 to 60 days after submission of receipts for expenses.
There is currently no maximum number of employees that can apply for the grant for one particular business. Please note that an employer cannot apply for a grant toward training if the program has already begun. To apply for this grant please visit www.workbc.ca/canadabcjobgrant.
Recommendation:
For more information on the Canada Job Grant or other government programs, please contact Gilmour Knotts Chartered Accountants.