Hire Indigenous Youth for a Housing Internship

Who can sponsor an intern?

• First Nation, Inuit and Métis governments and affiliated organizations including Band and Tribal Councils and self-government entities
• Public or not-for-profit First Nation, Inuit and Métis organizations
• For-profit First Nation, Inuit and Métis businesses
• Public, private or not-for-profit non-Indigenous employers seeking to employ First Nation, Inuit and Métis youth

What are your responsibilities as a sponsor?

• Pay wages: As a sponsor, you’ll pay at least the minimum wage required by your province or territory. The wage subsidy will pay for the intern’s wages in whole or in part (we encourage you to contribute some of your funds towards the intern’s wages).
• Provide resources and support: You must also have the time and staff resources to provide:
  • on-the-job training
  • coaching and mentoring
  • support for relevant training and skills development
• Cover administrative costs: Sponsors are responsible for covering the costs of administration related to the intern position. Examples include:
  • a supervisor’s time
  • office space and equipment
  • tools, technology and other resources that are needed for the position
• Commit to the internship period: You must hire the intern for:
  • a minimum of 8 weeks and up to 52 weeks (one year)
  • funding for a second internship year may be possible but isn't guaranteed and is subject to availability
• Provide an inclusive and supportive workplace: Sponsors are encouraged to create diverse, culturally safe and inclusive workplaces. This includes providing accommodations for youth with disabilities. Sponsors can also offer financial or social supports, such as covering travel or accommodation costs, to help interns overcome barriers to participation.
• Support skills development: Sponsors are expected to provide opportunities for interns to strengthen communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
  
   

CMHC provides wage subsidies to program sponsors. These subsidies cover all mandatory expenses such as:

• Employment Insurance
• Canada and/or Quebec Pension Plans workers’ compensation premiums
• vacation pay
• northern allowance (if applicable)

CMHC may also cover some safety equipment costs.

Skills training activities or curriculum required for a successful internship may also be eligible for financial assistance.

Financial assistance depends on the request and isn’t guaranteed

Who can I hire to be an intern?

Sponsors can offer internships to Indigenous youth. We define Indigenous youth as First Nation (Status or Non-Status), Inuit and Métis  between the ages of 15 and 30.

We encourage applications from women, 2SLGBTQI+ youth, First Nation, Métis and Inuit youth, and youth with disabilities.

To qualify as an intern, youth must:

• not receive Employment Insurance while participating in the program
• agree to stop Employment Insurance benefits before starting the internship
• not work another job during the internship
• live anywhere in Canada, including on or off reserve, in northern, rural, remote or urban areas

PRO TIP: Download and save the Indigenous Youth Housing Internship Program Fact Sheet for key details.

Follow these steps to prepare your application:

1. Create an account in the CMHC Portal (PDF) (if you haven’t already done so).
2. Review the Application Guide (PDF) for step-by-step instructions.
3. Complete the Project Cost Table (XLSX) if you’re applying to hire more than one intern.

Need help? Contact an Indigenous and the North Housing Solutions Specialist for guidance and support throughout the application process.

• Fact Sheet (PDF)
• One-pager (PDF)
• Application Guide (PDF)
• Delivery Guide (PDF)
• Project Cost Table (XLSX)

PRO TIP: If you’re having internet connection issues, please contact an Indigenous and the North Housing Solutions Specialist to request a PDF version of the application.

Need help or have questions about the Indigenous Youth Housing Internship Program? Contact your CMHC Housing Solutions Specialist – Indigenous and the North.