Young Canada Works in Both Official Languages — For-Profit

Hiring bilingual young talent can be a challenge for organizations operating in both official languages, especially when budgets are tight. Young Canada Works in Both Official Languages — For-Profit is designed to ease that pressure by helping employers across Canada bring students and recent graduates into short-term roles that support bilingual services, programs, or community activities. Delivered by Canadian Heritage, the program connects businesses and organizations with motivated youth while offsetting a meaningful share of employment costs.

Through this initiative, eligible for-profit employers can receive non-repayable wage support that typically covers up to about half of a student’s wages and related employment expenses for placements lasting several weeks. The program is particularly valuable for businesses that need temporary support for projects, outreach, or service delivery in English and French. Additional help may also be available when hiring a young person with a disability, with funding contributing toward reasonable workplace accommodations. In some cases, the program can assist with travel or housing costs when a student must relocate a significant distance for the job.

Because the program operates nationally and works with regional delivery organizations, application timing and availability can vary, and funding is generally competitive. For employers interested in strengthening their bilingual capacity while developing young talent, reviewing the full program details can clarify whether this opportunity fits your hiring plans.