Last updated: Mar. 29, 2021
The following is archived material. Refer to your provincial government for more information.
UPDATE: THIS PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED.
The Manitoba government is expanding its back-to-work subsidy program to encourage employers to bring back their employees or take on new hires.
Private businesses and non-profits can now receive up to $100,000 to subsidize 20 employees hired since July 16 through the Back to Work in Manitoba Wage Subsidy Program.
Through the program, you can rehire students who were hired through the Manitoba Summer Student Recovery Jobs Program, Canada Summer Jobs Program and Green Team Program. To qualify, the student must have been laid off and then rehired on or after September 14, 2020.
Is my business eligible?
The program is open to all private and non-profit businesses who are operating in Manitoba as long as you meet the following criteria:
- You must possess an active and valid Business Number, business bank account, and e-mail address.
- You must be registered, and in good standing with the Companies Office (not required for sole proprietors).
- You can hire 20 new or rehired employees under this program.
You can’t receive funding for any existing employees that are or have been subsidized by another government program. This includes, but is not limited to, the Canada Summer Job Program, Green Team, Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, Manitoba Back to Work this Summer Program and Manitoba Summer Student Recovery Jobs Program. (This does not include the federal government’s temporary wage subsidy.)
How much financial support could my business receive?
Your business can receive a reimbursement of 50% of total wages paid between July 16 and December 31, 2020, up to $5,000 per employee.
You can apply to receive funding for up to 20 positions and receive up to $100,000. Payment will be made as a lump sum upon proof of payment of wages.
As a business owner, you are not eligible to receive reimbursement for wages paid to yourself under this program.
How do I apply?
Applications are closed.
When submitting your application, you will be required to verify that the information you have provided in the application is correct and complete.
You should receive confirmation that your application has been processed within 10 business days.
Applications are due on December 1, 2020. You will be required to provide proof of wages of wages by February 1, 2021.
If all employer obligations are met, payment will be made within 14 days of providing proof of payment of wages.
What are the employer obligations?
The program is open to all workers who are legally entitled to work in Canada, including students. All positions are eligible, regardless of work hours (full-time, part-time, and casual) and term (permanent, contract, and seasonal). There is no maximum wage amount. However, reimbursement under the program is limited to $5,000 per eligible worker.
The worker may be a previous employee laid-off due to COVID-19, provided they had not been re-hired prior to July 16, 2020, or a new employee. Workers hired under this program must not displace any existing employees.
You can’t hire a member of your immediate family (parents, siblings, spouse or children) for any positions for which you are requesting funding.
You must comply with all federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulatory requirements.
You must follow Manitoba’s COVID-19 public health guidelines for the workplace.
You must maintain complete and correct payroll, employment and accounting records, financial documents and other records for each worker hired under this program.
Contact FBC
If you’d like to learn more about this or other COVID-19 programs for Canadian businesses, please call us at 1-800-265-1002 or email fbc@fbc.ca. Unlimited consultation related to tax matters is a key benefit of FBC Membership. You can also book an appointment.
Visit our COVID-19 Resource Centre for the latest information, advice and insights for small business owners.