Canada Summer Jobs 2026: Quick Guide for Private Business Owners

What You Need to Know

Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) is a federal wage-subsidy program that helps private businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees hire youth aged 15 to 30 for full-time summer jobs.

How It Works

You hire an eligible youth for a full-time summer job
The government reimburses up to 50 percent of the provincial/territorial adult minimum wage
You pay the remaining wage and all MERCs (EI, CPP/QPP, WCB, etc.) — see how to pay your payroll and other taxes
Positions must be 30 to 40 hours per week, for 6 to 16 weeks, and happen within Canada
Jobs must be safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory
Once approved, you must post the job on Job Bank

Key Dates

Application deadline: December 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST
Earliest job start: April 20, 2026
Latest job start: July 20, 2026
Latest job end: August 29, 2026

Eligibility Criteria for Private Businesses

Eligible Employers

Private businesses with 50 or fewer full-time staff

Eligible Youth

Ages 15 to 30
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons with refugee protection
Valid SIN
Legally able to work in Canada
International students are not eligible

Your Job Must

Be full time: 30–40 hours/week
Last 6–16 consecutive weeks
Take place in Canada
Not involve partisan politics, personal services to the employer, or discriminatory activities

What You Need to Include in the Application

For each job you want funded, provide:

Job title (NOC-aligned)
Wage
Job duties
Skills development plan
Supervision plan
Mentoring plan
Hours per week
Number of weeks
Funding requested (wage subsidy portion)

Payout Amount

For private employers:

Up to 50 percent of adult minimum wage
No reimbursement for MERCs

Example: If minimum wage is $17/hr, CSJ may cover up to $8.50/hr.

How to Apply

Best method: GCOS Online Portal
Other accepted methods:
- Online fillable PDF (mail or drop off at Service Canada before the deadline)
- Download the PDF application (ESDC-EMP5396A)

Note: Email or fax submissions are not accepted.

What Happens After You Apply

Decisions begin April 2026
You may receive fewer positions or weeks than requested
If approved, you will sign an agreement and receive forms and a Service Canada contact
Keep payroll and remittance records, as audits may occur