Hiring skilled youth for green projects can be a challenge. Wages are high. Training takes time. The Canada Green Corps – Science and Technology Internship Programme (CGC‑STIP) helps by covering up to 75% of a youth employee’s wages. This support lets your business or organization take on meaningful science and technology work with less risk.
This article explains who can apply, what the program funds, and how to get started with CGC‑STIP.
The Canada Green Corps (CGC‑STIP) is a federal wage subsidy program. It is delivered in partnership with Natural Resources Canada and run by the United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC). The program creates paid, quality green jobs for youth aged 15–30 in Canada’s natural resource and environmental sectors.
CGC‑STIP supports internships that:
Employers across Canada can apply, and the program is currently open for applications.
CGC‑STIP offers a wage subsidy of up to 75% of eligible wages for each approved intern.
Key funding details:
Some employers may qualify for a higher subsidy if they hire youth from employment equity–seeking groups.
Your organization can apply if it is:
Eligible sectors include:
The intern must meet all of these rules:
The job must offer real science or technology experience, not just general labour.
Write a job description that:
Make sure your planned hire meets the age, status, and work eligibility rules before you apply.
Prepare:
Submit your application through the UNAC CGC‑STIP portal. Application periods may be rolling or have deadlines, depending on available funding.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if CGC‑STIP fits your needs.
Do not hire the intern until you get written approval. Retroactive funding is normally not allowed.
Hiring before approval
Wait for confirmation before hiring. CGC‑STIP does not usually fund retroactive hires.
Vague job descriptions
The job must clearly involve science, technology, or environmental results.
Incorrect youth eligibility
Age and residency rules are strict. Double‑check before applying.
Forgetting reporting requirements
Wage subsidies are government assistance and must be reported properly.
Q: Is CGC‑STIP funding taxable?
Yes. Wage subsidies are considered government assistance and must be reported according to accounting rules.
Q: Can small businesses apply?
Yes. Small and medium‑sized businesses can apply if they are incorporated and work in an eligible sector.
Q: Can internships be shorter than 12 months?
Yes. Internships can be shorter, but must usually be at least 30 hours per week.
Q: Can we hire more than one intern?
Some employers can hire more than one intern, depending on funding and project size.
Q: Does CGC‑STIP cover training or equipment costs?
No. The program only covers wage subsidies, not equipment or overhead.
The Canada Green Corps (CGC‑STIP) Science & Technology Internship can help you hire youth, lower wage costs, and support Canada’s green economy. GrantHub tracks many youth wage subsidy and green job programs across Canada, so you can find the best fit for your hiring plans. If you want to see all your options or need help getting started, check GrantHub for current funding details and application tips.
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