Opportunities Fund

Benefitting Employers & Employees

As a provincial community coordinator for the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities Program we bring employees and employers together by providing a wage subsidy for employers to hire persons with disabilities. Opportunities Fund is funded by the Government of Canada under Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This program provides a subsidy of 60-80% contribution of the current minimum wage rate to a maximum 36 weeks. Employers will contribute 20-40% of participant’s wages as well as the mandatory employment related costs (MERCS) and Workers Compensation Fees. 

Participants are offered dependent care and transportation where appropriate and required. Short term training courses, disability supports and adaptive technology are available to all participants should it be required for a successful transition to the workforce. 

This program is for work ready individuals of all ages, who identify with a disability to help them prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. Applications are available to persons with disabilities seeking employment as well as employers who are hiring; all applications are assessed with the goal of sustained employment. 

Participant Eligibility

  • Self identify as having a permanent disability (physical or mental) that restricts their ability to perform daily activities. 
  • Unemployed and not eligible to receive Employment Insurance or similar provincial assistance programs.
  • Legally entitled to work in Canada. 
  • Require assistance to obtain and keep employment

 

Easter Seals Newfoundland & Labrador | ESNL Easter Seals Newfoundland & Labrador | ESNL

  • Let's Chat

If you would like more information on Opportunities Fund please contact Paula Hayes, Director of Career & Educational Services at 754-1399 ext. 225 [email protected] or Rachel Warren, Program Assistant ext. 231 [email protected]

Service Sign Up

To learn more about this program, you can submit the form here and a member of our team will reach out to you.

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Our goal is to provide persons of all ages with physical, cognitive, and any other disabilities with the opportunity to participate in programs and services that aim to build inclusion in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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