The Honourable Chris Tibbs, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, today announced that applications are open for the 2026-27 Community Enhancement Employment Program.
The program provides funding to eligible rural project sponsors, including:
- Municipalities
- Inuit Community Governments
- Local Service Districts
- Community and economic development organizations
- Other non-profit organizations
Projects must directly support tourism and economic development, community and municipal infrastructure, or community services. Approved project sponsors may begin their eligible projects upon receiving the required approvals from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.
Individuals living in rural areas can be employed on a short-term project for up to 470 hours to support their eligibility for federal Employment Insurance benefits. In 2025-26, the program funded 135 projects, supporting approximately 685 workers.
The deadline to submit applications for the Community Enhancement Employment Program is 4:00 p.m. NDT, Friday, June 26, 2026.
Program guidelines and application forms can be found at Community Enhancement Employment Program. For more information, applicants can email employmentsupport@gov.nl.ca or call toll-free 1-866-508-5500.
To help communities remain strong and sustainable, Budget 2026: Opportunity For All of Us is investing more than $200 million in key funding initiatives, including municipal operating grants, municipal capital works, the Community Enhancement Employment Program, special assistance grants, Provincial Gas Tax Sharing Program, and the federal Building Communities Strong Fund.
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The Community Enhancement Employment Program plays an important role in supporting rural communities by creating short-term employment opportunities for eligible residents. I encourage local governments and organizations to learn more about the benefits of this program and apply for project funding.”
Honourable Chris Tibbs
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs
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Learn more
Community Enhancement Employment Program
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