The Healthy Hire Manitoba Program: Wage Subsidy for Employers to Safely Encourage Back to Work

The Government of Manitoba has announced a new hiring wage program that aims to encourage employees to get vaccinated and return to work. The program will offer active Manitoba-based businesses up to $5,000 per employee to a maximum $50,000 for 10 employees to help offset the wages of rehired or new employees who have received their COVID-19 vaccines or who can confirm that they have at least one vaccine booked.

Through the Healthy Hire Manitoba Program, eligible employers can apply for up to $50,000 in wage subsidies to help cover the wages of up to 10 new or rehired employees who can provide proof that they have, or will be, vaccinated against COVID-19.

The wage subsidy will cover full pay periods for employees hired on or after June 10, 2021, with the last pay period ending no later than October 15, 2021. To qualify for this program, employees will not have to be fully vaccinated with both sets of shots, but they must either have received at least one shot, or provide proof of commitment that it is their plan to do so.

Funding Snapshot: The Healthy Hire Manitoba Program

The Healthy Hire Manitoba Program initiative is a hiring grant designed to support Manitoba’s economic recovery by inspiring Manitoba employers to safely welcome back former employees or new hires who have been or will be vaccinated, ultimately ensuring a healthy workplace environment for those returning to work.   

“It’s our goal that this new Healthy Hire Manitoba Program will assist in incentivizing employers to safely bring more employees back to work and encourage more Manitobans get fully vaccinated.”
– Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister

Funding Amount

• The Healthy Hire Manitoba Program will provide a maximum $5,000 per employee, up to $50,000 per employer for 10 employees in total.
• Wage costs will have to be incurred between June 10 – October 15, 2021.

Eligibility

To qualify for government funding through the Healthy Hire Manitoba Program, employers must be:

• An active and permanent Manitoba-based business, not-for-profit, or registered charity physically operating in the province.

Timeline and Application Process

• More information and full eligibility criteria for the new Healthy Hire Manitoba Program will be available in early July 2021.
• Stay up to date on the official government page.

“As we continue to loosen restrictions this summer as vaccination rates increase, this new wage support will help ensure a smooth and steady reopening path and support employers as they staff up to offer Manitobans the goods and services they rely on and enjoy most.”
– Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister

Government Funding for Western Canadian Businesses

Government grant and loan programs for Western Canadian businesses can assist on a wide range of strategic and innovative projects such as business expansion, research and development, hiring and training, and capital investment. By being proactive and applying for funding support prior to the start of these types of projects, companies can access financial assistance that may greatly improve their overall outcome projections.

Find more COVID-19 business support options by visiting our coronavirus business support resources page and explore government grants, loans, subsidies, webinars, and more.