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.)
• 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 deadlines: 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, PRs, 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 hrs/week
• Last 6–16 consecutive weeks
• Take place in Canada
• Not involve partisan politics, personal services to employer, or discriminatory activities

What You Need to Include in the Application

For each job you want funded, you must 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

1. Best method: GCOS Online Portal
   Apply here: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs/apply.html

2. Other accepted methods:
   Online fillable PDF (mail or drop off at Service Canada before deadline)
   PDF: https://catalogue.servicecanada.gc.ca/apps/EForms/pdf/en/ESDC-EMP5396A.pdf

NOT accepted: email or fax

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