Our program that helps solving the problem of skilled trades shortage in Canada. We facilitate immigration of pre-licensed skilled workers, particularly in HVAC and Refrigeration.
We facilitate this through partnerships with overseas trades schools, Red River College, HRAI, Steinbach Chamber of Commerce, Partner Contractors, and end user clients of major industrial and agricultural operations.

To support the proposed Immigration Recruitment Policy for hiring skilled francophone workers, particularly from Tunisia, for HVAC and refrigeration roles in Manitoba and Ontario’s farms and manufacturing sectors, several government funding programs are available. Below is a detailed overview of politically neutral, government-backed grants and funding opportunities specifically aimed at supporting the hiring and training of immigrants in skilled trades in these provinces. These programs can help offset employer costs for recruitment, training, and integration, aligning with the policy’s goals of addressing labor shortages and ensuring a return on investment.

---

### Government Grants and Funding Programs for Hiring Skilled Immigrant Labor in Manitoba and Ontario

The following programs, sourced from Canadian government websites and related resources, are designed to support employers in hiring and training immigrants, including those in skilled trades like HVAC and refrigeration. All are politically neutral, administered by federal or provincial governments, and relevant to the proposed policy.

#### 1. Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG)

- Description: The Canada-Ontario Job Grant provides funding to employers to train new or existing employees, including immigrants, to enhance workforce skills and productivity. It supports training for skilled trades, such as HVAC and refrigeration systems, which aligns with the policy’s focus.

- Eligibility:

- Employers in Ontario, including farms and manufacturers, with a valid job offer for immigrants.

- Training must be delivered by an eligible third-party provider (e.g., Red River College or equivalent in Ontario) and align with industry needs.

- Employees must be Canadian residents or immigrants with work authorization (e.g., through the Mobile Francophone stream).

- Funding Details:

- Covers up to two-thirds of training costs, to a maximum of $10,000 per employee.

- Employers contribute the remaining one-third, which can include in-kind contributions like wages during training.

- Relevance to Policy: Funds training for Tunisian immigrants to meet Canadian HVAC/refrigeration standards, reducing employer costs for on-the-job training. Supports the policy’s 2-year employment term by ensuring workers are skilled and productive.

- Application: Apply through Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (eopg.labour.gov.on.ca).[](https://eopg.labour.gov.on.ca/en/)[](http://www.ontario.ca/page/canada-ontario-job-grant-cojg)[](https://eopg.labour.gov.on.ca/en/programs/canada-ontario-job-grant/)

- Contact: Employment Ontario Contact Centre (1-800-387-5656).

#### 2. Canada-Manitoba Job Grant

- Description: Similar to COJG, this cost-shared program funds employers to train new or existing employees, including immigrants, to fill skilled labor gaps in Manitoba. It supports training for trades like HVAC and refrigeration, critical for farms and manufacturing.

- Eligibility:

- Manitoba-based employers, including those in agriculture and manufacturing.

- Training must address specific skill needs and be delivered by approved providers (e.g., Red River College).

- Immigrants hired through streams like Mobile Francophone are eligible.

- Funding Details:

- Covers up to two-thirds of training costs, with a cap of $10,000 per employee for new hires.

- Employers cover the remaining one-third, which can include wages or equipment costs.

- Relevance to Policy: Supports training for Tunisian workers to meet Manitoba’s industry standards, enhancing retention by ensuring workers are job-ready. Complements Red River College’s role in the policy.

- Application: Currently not accepting applications (as of June 2025), but updates are available on Manitoba’s government website (www.gov.mb.ca). Employers should monitor for reopening.[](https://www.gov.mb.ca/jec/busdev/financial/cmjg/index.html)[](https://fittfortrade.com/canada-job-grant?srsltid=AfmBOooZZC7tBCMNMfiAUK-X7U8AFBCBHb1glIPW8VL3qLKXWLKFZc-I)[](https://supplychainmb.ca/education/job-grant/)

- Contact: Manitoba Economic Development and Training (1-800-821-4307).

#### 3. Manitoba Financial Supports for Internationally Educated Professionals

- Description: Manitoba offers financial support to internationally educated professionals and tradespersons, including immigrants, to cover costs like credential assessments, language training, and technical training for trades like HVAC/refrigeration.

- Eligibility:

- Internationally trained workers residing in Manitoba (e.g., Tunisian immigrants via Mobile Francophone).

- Must be pursuing employment in a skilled trade or profession.

- Employers can access related supports for hiring and integration.

- Funding Details:

- Varies by program but includes subsidies for training, credential recognition, and language courses (e.g., French CLB 7 preparation).

- Employers may receive indirect support through worker subsidies, reducing hiring costs.

- Relevance to Policy: Supports Tunisian workers in meeting language and technical competencies, complementing Multicultural Immigration Services Steinbach’s role in settlement and employer matching.

- Application: Apply through Immigration Manitoba (immigratemanitoba.com).[](https://immigratemanitoba.com/work/regulated-occupations/financial-supports/)

- Contact: Multicultural Immigration Services (questions@multiculturalimmigration.ca, 877-514-1504).

#### 4. Apprenticeship Grants and Incentives (Federal)

- Description: The Government of Canada offers grants to support apprentices and employers in skilled trades, including HVAC and refrigeration. Programs like the *Apprenticeship Incentive Grant* and Apprenticeship Completion Grant can benefit immigrants pursuing trade certifications.

- Eligibility:

- Employers hiring apprentices, including immigrants with work permits, in Red Seal trades (e.g., refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic).

- Apprentices must be enrolled in a recognized program (e.g., through Red River College).

- Funding Details:

- Apprenticeship Incentive Grant: Up to $1,000 per year for apprentices in years 1 and 2 of training.

- Apprenticeship Completion Grant: $2,000 upon completing an apprenticeship program.

- Employers may access tax credits or wage subsidies for hiring apprentices.

- Relevance to Policy: Encourages Tunisian workers to pursue Red Seal certification, aligning with the policy’s goal of long-term skill development and employer retention. Red River College’s apprenticeship programs are a key delivery mechanism.

- Application: Apply through Service Canada (www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training.html).[](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training/support-skilled-trades-apprentices/funding-opportunities.html)

- Contact: Service Canada (1-800-622-6232).

#### 5. Ontario Skills Development Fund (SDF)

- Description: Ontario’s SDF provides funding to train and reskill workers, including immigrants, to meet labor market demands in sectors like manufacturing and agriculture. It supports large-scale training projects tailored to employer needs.

- Eligibility:

- Ontario employers, industry associations, or training providers (e.g., colleges) partnering to train immigrants or other workers.

- Projects must address skill shortages in trades like HVAC/refrigeration.

- Funding Details:

- Up to $3 million per project, covering training costs, equipment, and program development.

- Recent $1 billion investment (May 2025) prioritizes reskilling for sectors impacted by economic changes.[](https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005879/ontario-investing-1-billion-in-skills-development-fund-to-protect-workers)

- Relevance to Policy: Funds employer-led training programs for Tunisian immigrants, reducing costs for farms and manufacturers. Supports partnerships with institutions like Red River College for curriculum alignment.

- Application: Apply through Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (news.ontario.ca).[](https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005879/ontario-investing-1-billion-in-skills-development-fund-to-protect-workers)

- Contact: Skills Development Fund Office (1-800-387-5656).

#### 6. Manitoba Go Program

- Description: The Manitoba Go program lists grants and bursaries for education, training, and business development, including support for employers hiring immigrants in skilled trades.

- Eligibility:

- Manitoba employers or training institutions (e.g., Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, Red River College).

- Supports hiring and training immigrants for roles in agriculture and manufacturing.

- Funding Details:

- Varies by specific grant; includes wage subsidies, training cost offsets, and bursaries for workers.

- Often complements Canada-Manitoba Job Grant.

- Relevance to Policy: Provides flexible funding for employers to train Tunisian workers, supporting the policy’s integration and retention goals. Enhances Red River College’s role in delivering trades training.

- Application: Access through Manitoba Go (mitt.ca or www.gov.mb.ca).[](https://mitt.ca/career-and-employment-services/responsive-career-pathways-project/employer-funding-and-support)

- Contact: Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (204-989-6500).

#### Additional Notes

- Alignment with Policy Goals:

- These programs directly support the policy’s focus on training unlicensedchicken-scratch-0.7, hiring, and retaining skilled immigrants by covering training and integration costs. They reduce financial risks for employers, ensuring a strong return on the 2-year employment term.

- The Mobile Francophone stream’s emphasis on francophone communities is supported by Manitoba’s financial aids for language training, ensuring Tunisian workers meet CLB 7 requirements.

- Partnerships with Red River College and Steinbach’s immigration services can leverage these funds for tailored training and settlement support.

- Implementation:

- Employers should work with Multicultural Immigration Services Steinbach to identify eligible immigrants and apply for grants.

- Coordinate with Red River College to design training programs funded by COJG, Canada-Manitoba Job Grant, or SDF.

- The City of Steinbach can promote these funding opportunities through community integration events.

- Monitoring:

- Employers should track training outcomes and retention rates to ensure compliance with grant requirements.

- Regular reporting to funding agencies ensures continued access to subsidies.

- Limitations:

- The Canada-Manitoba Job Grant is currently closed (as of June 2025), but employers should monitor www.gov.mb.ca for updates.[](https://www.gov.mb.ca/jec/busdev/financial/cmjg/index.html)

- Funding caps (e.g., $10,000 per employee for COJG) may require employers to supplement costs for large-scale hiring.

---

### Recommendations for Employers

- Maximize Funding: Combine multiple grants (e.g., COJG and apprenticeship grants) to cover training, wages, and equipment costs for Tunisian workers.

- Partner with Institutions: Collaborate with Red River College and Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology to access funded training programs tailored to HVAC/refrigeration.

- Leverage Steinbach Support: Utilize Multicultural Immigration Services and the City of Steinbach’s integration programs to enhance retention, reducing turnover costs.

- Retention Strategy: Use grant-funded training as an incentive, offering sponsored Red Seal certification to encourage long-term commitment beyond the 2-year term.

---

### Sources

- Canada-Ontario Job Grant: www.ontario.ca, eopg.labour.gov.on.ca[](https://eopg.labour.gov.on.ca/en/)[](http://www.ontario.ca/page/canada-ontario-job-grant-cojg)[](https://eopg.labour.gov.on.ca/en/programs/canada-ontario-job-grant/)

- Canada-Manitoba Job Grant: www.gov.mb.ca[](https://www.gov.mb.ca/jec/busdev/financial/cmjg/index.html)[](https://fittfortrade.com/canada-job-grant?srsltid=AfmBOooZZC7tBCMNMfiAUK-X7U8AFBCBHb1glIPW8VL3qLKXWLKFZc-I)[](https://supplychainmb.ca/education/job-grant/)

- Manitoba Financial Supports: immigratemanitoba.com[](https://immigratemanitoba.com/work/regulated-occupations/financial-supports/)

- Apprenticeship Grants: www.canada.ca[](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training/support-skilled-trades-apprentices/funding-opportunities.html)

- Ontario Skills Development Fund: news.ontario.ca[](https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005879/ontario-investing-1-billion-in-skills-development-fund-to-protect-workers)

- Manitoba Go: mitt.ca[](https://mitt.ca/career-and-employment-services/responsive-career-pathways-project/employer-funding-and-support)