Hiring early-career talent in environmental and natural resource roles can be expensive for employers. The ECO Canada Youth Employment in Natural Resources (YNR) program helps by covering a large share of wages when you hire young professionals in environmental STEM positions. Employers can get up to $20,000 per hire.
The ECO Canada Youth Employment in Natural Resources (YNR) program is a national wage subsidy that supports employers hiring youth aged 15 to 30 for full-time environmental roles. The program’s goal is to help young people start careers in natural resources and environmental STEM while reducing payroll costs for employers.
Eligible employers can receive:
The subsidy applies to full-time employment and is paid to the employer after approval and once reporting milestones are met.
The program is open to a wide range of employer types across Canada:
Eligible employers
Youth eligibility requirements
To qualify, the role must be an environmental or natural resource STEM position related to:
Typical eligible roles include environmental technicians, junior project coordinators, field researchers, sustainability analysts, and entry-level engineering or science positions.
If you’re unsure whether your job or organization meets the requirements, you can review ECO Canada’s detailed eligibility criteria or compare this program with others using resources like GrantHub.
The application process is employer-led and completed directly through ECO Canada.
Check job eligibility
Make sure the position is full-time and directly related to environmental or natural resource STEM work.
Recruit an eligible youth
You may need to identify your candidate before final approval.
Gather required documents
Typically includes:
Submit your application to ECO Canada
Applications are reviewed as they come in, while funding is available.
Hire and report
Once approved, follow the reporting and employment duration requirements to receive funding.
Applying for a non-STEM role
Administrative or sales-only roles usually do not qualify unless they are clearly tied to environmental outcomes.
Hiring before approval
If you hire the youth before ECO Canada approves your application, the role may not be eligible.
Assuming funding is always repayable
YNR funding is not repayable unless you fail to meet the program’s requirements. Always read your agreement carefully.
Stacking subsidies incorrectly
Combining YNR with other wage subsidies can exceed funding limits if not approved.
Q: How much wage funding does ECO Canada YNR cover?
Up to 75% of eligible wages, capped at $20,000 per youth hire. The exact amount depends on wage level and employment duration.
Q: Is ECO Canada YNR funding repayable?
By default, the funding is non-repayable. You only need to repay the subsidy if you do not meet the program’s terms and conditions.
Q: Can non-profits or Indigenous organizations apply?
Yes. Indigenous organizations, non-profits, and public-sector employers are eligible if the role meets program criteria.
Q: Can YNR be combined with other wage subsidies?
Sometimes. Stacking is subject to limits, and total government assistance cannot exceed eligible costs.
Q: Is the program available across Canada?
Yes. ECO Canada YNR is a national program available in all provinces and territories.
If you plan to hire young talent in environmental or natural resource roles and want to reduce wage costs, the ECO Canada Youth Employment in Natural Resources (YNR) program is a strong option.
To get started, review the eligibility details for both the role and the candidate. Visit the ECO Canada YNR program page for full application instructions and deadlines. For help comparing this program with other wage subsidies, or to stay updated on new grants, you can also use GrantHub’s resources.
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