If you’re in Nova Scotia and want income support while gaining work experience, the Job Creation Partnerships (Nova Scotia) program could help — but you must meet several strict requirements. This checklist explains who qualifies, what counts as eligible work, and common mistakes to avoid. The program is managed by Employment Nova Scotia and funded through the Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) with the federal government.
Check the points below to see if you meet the main eligibility criteria before you apply.
You must qualify under Canada’s Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) rules. You are eligible if at least one of these applies:
If you have never paid into EI and don’t meet the earnings test, you are not eligible.
The program is for people with a steady work background. You must have:
This means you held regular jobs or EI-covered work, not just occasional or informal work.
At the time you apply, you must fit one of these categories:
You cannot join the program casually or as a side activity. Your goal must be to get or keep full-time work.
Job Creation Partnerships offers temporary job placements to help you build skills and improve employability. Important rules include:
If you start work before getting approval, your application will be denied.
You must apply through Employment Nova Scotia. Meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee approval. Staff will review:
Funding from Job Creation Partnerships is income support tied to participation. It is not a repayable loan, nor is it a grant you keep no matter what. You receive income support for the approved period as long as you participate in the project.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter employment and income support programs by province and personal situation.
Employment Nova Scotia may ask for more information or an interview as part of the process.
Starting work before approval
Any work or training that begins before written approval makes you ineligible.
Relying only on EI eligibility
Having EI does not guarantee approval. Your work history and the quality of the placement matter.
Applying without a clear job goal
Projects must lead to better long-term employment prospects.
Confusing this with wage subsidies for employers
Job Creation Partnerships supports individuals, not businesses.
For employer-focused programs, see Federal vs Provincial Wage Subsidy Programs in Canada: Key Differences.
Q: Who is eligible for Job Creation Partnerships in Nova Scotia?
You must be LMDA-eligible, have a steady work history, and meet EI or earnings requirements. Employment Nova Scotia decides on final approval.
Q: Do I need an active EI claim to apply?
No. You can qualify if your EI claim ended within the last 60 months or if you meet the insurable earnings test.
Q: How long does Job Creation Partnerships support last?
Approved projects can get income support for up to 52 consecutive weeks, depending on your employment plan.
Q: Is Job Creation Partnerships funding repayable?
No. The program provides income support as long as you participate in the approved project. It is not a loan or a grant you keep regardless of outcome.
Q: Does participating affect my EI benefits?
Yes. Your EI status may change while you participate. Employment Nova Scotia will review this as part of your application.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and employment programs across Canada. You can check which ones match your location, work history, and goals.
If Job Creation Partnerships is not right for you, other employment and training programs may be available. Options change by province, job status, and industry. GrantHub helps you compare programs like Co-op Student Hiring Incentives in Nova Scotia and other wage or training supports in one place, so you can focus on opportunities that fit your situation.
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