Employee Benefits

Overview:
The Employee Benefits Program, formerly known as Band Employee Benefits, provides funding to eligible First Nation and Inuit employers to support the employer’s share of contributions to eligible employees’ pension plans. This may include employer-sponsored pension plans, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) and additional employee benefits.

The program helps eligible employers offer competitive employee benefit packages, supporting the recruitment and retention of qualified staff who manage and deliver programs and services funded by the department.

Funding Amount:
The maximum amount payable is determined by a funding formula. The department contributes the employer’s share of eligible pension plan costs, subject to program requirements.

Who Can Apply:
First Nation and Inuit employers with employees involved in delivering programs funded by the department.

Employees are not eligible if they:

• Receive pension benefits from another program
• Work on capital projects or for profit-oriented organizations
• Provide services through contracts
• Are members of a board of directors of an incorporated entity

Project Examples:
Funding may support:

• Employer-sponsored pension plans
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions
• Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) contributions
• Additional eligible employee benefits
• Competitive employee benefit packages for eligible staff

Province/Scope:
National — First Nation and Inuit employers.

Deadline:
Varies by region between January and March 31 each year. Employers should contact their ISC regional office for the applicable deadline.