Employ PEI (Wage Subsidy)
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Wage subsidy covering up to 50% of wages (maximum $12.50/hour) for up to 20 weeks for PEI businesses hiring unemployed workers who have been out of high school for 2+ years. One of the most accessible provincial wage subsidy programs in Canada with minimal application requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
- Private sector business on Prince Edward Island
- Employee must be unemployed at time of hiring
- Employee must have been out of high school for 2+ years
- Position must be a new addition to workforce (not replacing existing employee)
- Employer must demonstrate ability to retain employee after subsidy period
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to 50% of wages (max $12.50/hr) for up to 20 weeks
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Provincial
- Co-Funding
- Up to 50% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Ongoing
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
See how this program compares on approval odds, difficulty, and competition — so you know if it’s worth your time. Unlock with Premium →
How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipOne of the most accessible wage subsidies in Canada — minimal paperwork and fast approval. Apply before the employee starts to ensure approval. The program is designed to reduce barriers for both employers and job seekers, so the eligibility criteria are deliberately broad. Can be used strategically to trial new positions with reduced financial risk. Combine with other SkillsPEI programs (like Graduate Mentorship) for different hires to maximize workforce development funding.
See what trips up most applicants for this program — and how to avoid it. Unlock with Premium →
Success Profile
PEI small businesses across all sectors — restaurants, tourism operators, tradespeople, retail, agriculture, and professional services. Most effective for businesses expanding their team or replacing seasonal workforce gaps with permanent positions. Employers who demonstrate retention after the subsidy period build a track record for faster future approvals.
See what successful applicants for this program actually look like. Unlock with Premium →
Evaluation Criteria
Applications assessed on: employee is currently unemployed, employee has been out of high school for 2+ years, position is a genuinely new addition to the workforce (not replacement), employer demonstrates ability and intent to retain employee after subsidy period, position offers meaningful full-time employment and on-the-job training.
See exactly what reviewers score on — so you know where to focus. Unlock with Premium →
Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 6
Eligible Expenses 2
- Wages for the new full-time employee during the training/subsidy period (up to 50%, max $12.50/hr)
- On-the-job training costs embedded in the wage subsidy period
Ineligible Expenses 7
- CPP employer contributions (employer responsibility)
- EI employer premiums (employer responsibility)
- Workers' Compensation premiums (employer responsibility)
- Employee benefits beyond statutory minimums
- Equipment, tools, or materials for the new position
- Training provider fees (use Workplace Skills Training program for those)
- Wages above $12.50/hr (employer covers the difference)
Intake Periods
Continuous intake year-round with no fixed deadlines. Applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis subject to available funding. Apply and receive approval before the employee's start date.
Deadline Notes
Ongoing program with continuous intake. Applications accepted year-round on a first-come, first-served basis subject to available funding. Approval typically required before employee start date.
Ineligible Organizations
- Public sector employers and government departments
- Companies in the tobacco industry
- Companies in the adult entertainment industry
Get the step-by-step application guide — documents, timeline, and what to prepare. Unlock with Premium →
Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Low RiskVery low. Reimbursement-based — funds only flow after wages are paid and documented. If employee leaves or is terminated during the subsidy period, remaining subsidy payments stop but no clawback of amounts already reimbursed.
See which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get. Unlock with Premium →
How Employ PEI (Wage Subsidy) Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employ PEI (Wage Subsidy) | Up to 50% of wages | Easy | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
| Canada Summer Jobs | Up to 100% wage subsidy | Easy | Reimbursement | Annual — 2026 cycle... |
| Ocean Supercluster | Up to $5 million | Hard | Reimbursement | Call-specific — no open... |
| Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency ... | Varies | Moderate | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
| Business Development Program (BDP) - ... | Varies (Repayable Contribution) | Moderate | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
Related Programs
Other programs you might be eligible for