Targeted Wage Subsidy (TWS) Program

The Targeted Wage Subsidy Program (TWS) is designed to help eligible Red River Métis Citizens gain meaningful work experience and move into long-term, sustainable employment.

Through short-term wage subsidies, the TWS connects participants with Manitoba employers who can offer quality, on-the-job training. These supports reduce financial barriers that can limit employment opportunities and ensure participants receive the time and coaching needed to succeed in new roles.

The primary goal of the TWS is to support participants in developing the skills and experience required to secure lasting employment with their host employer.

Participants may be eligible if they are:

• Red River Métis Citizens living in Manitoba; and
• Unemployed or underemployed and seeking opportunities to build skills and gain work experience.

Additional criteria may apply. Final eligibility and funding decisions are made by Métis Employment & Training.

Jobs supported through the TWS:

• Provide at least 30 hours per week of meaningful, skill-building employment.
• Offer hands-on training that supports the participant's short- and long-term career goals.
• Are part of the employer's regular business operations or planned growth, not temporary positions created only for subsidy purposes.
• Do not replace existing staff who are laid off or away (for example, vacation, parental leave, or sick leave).
• Do not start before TWS funding is approved.
• Meet all Manitoba employment standards, including wage regulations.
• Are not paid entirely by commission, piecework, or per-kilometre rates.

To support a positive training and employment experience, participating employers must:

• Be Manitoba-based, with priority for Red River Métis-owned businesses.
• Provide a safe, supportive workplace and meaningful on-the-job training aligned with the participant's needs.
• Have the capacity to offer ongoing employment once the subsidy period ends.
• Demonstrate business stability (active business number, business bank account, minimum one year of operation, payroll capacity).
• Not receive other federal or provincial supports for the same position.

• Wage subsidies are tailored to the participant's training needs, job complexity, and available funding.
• Employers contribute a percentage of wages to support the participant's employment.
• Overtime wages are not eligible for subsidy.
• Applicants receive decisions by email; incomplete applications may delay processing.