The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) has secured Government of Canada funding through Parks Canada to deliver the Green Jobs Initiative over a two-year period (2026–2028). This national program provides direct financial support (via wage subsidies) to local governments (municipalities, Indigenous communities, etc.) and other eligible organizations, supporting nearly 250 jobs focused on green career-related activities that contribute to the conservation and enjoyment of natural and cultural heritage.
Through these placements, youth gain meaningful work experience while developing the skills and experience needed to successfully transition into future employment.
The goals of the Green Jobs Initiative are to:
IMPORTANT DATES:
This is an open competition and eligible organizations are invited to apply in English or French.
Application Deadline: April 28, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Notice of Decision: May 8, 2026
Earliest Start Date: April 1, 2026
Eligible organizations should submit their applications online.
Click here to preview the questions that will be asked in the application form.
For assistance with completing your application, or should you have any questions, please contact your regional project manager.
CPRA gratefully acknowledges the support of the Government of Canada (Parks Canada) through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). This contribution makes it possible to deliver the Green Jobs Initiative, supporting youth employment across Canada in the conservation and enjoyment of natural and cultural heritage.
Canadian local governments, Indigenous communities and other sector organizations are eligible to apply to this program. Other sector organizations may include:
*For-profit organizations may be considered in specific circumstances, provided that the position is non-commercial in nature, not intended to generate profit, and aligns with program objectives.
Only one application per eligible organization is allowed per intake. Submitting more than one application may render all applications ineligible.
Youth who will be engaged in this program must be:
*Youth who have previously been hired through the YESS program are eligible to be re-hired by a participating organization as long as the individual is hired into a new position or in a position that is a progression from a position that the youth previously held.
Priority Considerations:
Funding for this program is provided by Parks Canada as part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). As such, CPRA will prioritize funding for organizations who commit to hiring youth who face barriers to employment including but not limited to the following groups:
A green job is any role that contributes to environmental sustainability or supports the conservation and enjoyment of natural and cultural heritage.
In the Green Jobs Initiative, this includes positions that help protect natural spaces, promote sustainable practices, and connect people to nature, parks, and heritage.
Green jobs can include:
Green jobs are not limited to working directly in nature—they also include roles that help people understand, access, and value the natural and cultural spaces in their communities.
Successful candidates must:
CPRA will provide wage subsidies of up to 50% of total employment costs, to a maximum of $5,500 per youth.
While employers are welcome to set their own wages, the CPRA contribution must be matched by the employer. Matching funds cannot be from another federal government funding program (i.e.: Canada Summer Jobs)
Eligible Costs
The following expenditures are eligible for funding and may be included in the wage subsidy amount:
Additional supports (e.g., disability supports, transportation, or dependent care) may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Duration
Successful applicants may engage youth in their job placement as soon as a signed contract with CPRA is established.
Work terms can be variable, lasting a minimum of four weeks. Full time, part time or casual hours are eligible.
Applications will close at 5:00 pm on April 28, 2026.
CPRA encourages organizations to submit applications in either French or English and is committed to ensuring a high-quality assessment of all applications, regardless of the official language chosen.
To assist with planning your application, you can download a PDF copy of the application questions in French and English.
Incomplete applications, applications submitted by email, or late applications will not be accepted.
For assistance with completing your application, please contact your Regional Program Manager.
Review process
CPRA will assemble an Adjudication Team to review and score the applications.
Only one application per organization is allowed. Submitting multiple applications may deem all applications by your organization ineligible.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
Funding Decisions
For more information about this program, please contact your Regional Project Manager:
Senior Program Manager
Collen Decker, [email protected]
Regional Manager, Ontario & Manitoba
Sarah Ane, [email protected]
Regional Manager, British Columbia, Alberta & Saskatchewan
Regional Manager, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island
Regional Manager, Québec and Francophone Communities
Regional Manager, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon
Robin Young, [email protected]
Successful applicants must:
Reporting Requirements
Successful applicants will be required to complete reporting requirements, including:
Links to these forms will be emailed once your organization confirms the acceptance of funding.
Failure to submit required reports and forms may result in the withholding or forfeiture of funding and may impact eligibility for future funding.
Communication Requirements:
Successful applicants must acknowledge CPRA and the Government of Canada (Parks Canada) in any communications, promotional materials, or public announcements related to funded positions.
Recognition should be provided in both official languages, where possible.
Explore how the Green Jobs program has empowered youth, strengthened communities, and driven positive change across Canada. Dive into past reports to see the impact, success stories, and lessons learned from this transformative initiative.
