WINNIPEG – The province is enhancing its back to work program to support more businesses in bringing back their employees.

“The Back to Work Manitoba Initiative is a key component as we continue to reopen our communities and safely restart our recovery,” said Premier Brian Pallister. “Nearly 40,000 Manitobans are looking to get back to work and back up on their feet. To meet additional demand and support employers to hire and bring back more staff, we are doubling the number of employees eligible for a wage subsidy.”

The program reimburses 50 percent of wage costs, up to $5,000, per employee hired or re-hired between July 16th and October 31st.

The enhanced program will now allow businesses, not-for-profit organizations or charities to receive a subsidy for another 10 full or part-time employees, in addition to the current total of 10. By doubling the amount of subsidized employees to 20, the maximum level of financial support available to employers increases from $50,000 to $100,000.

The application deadline is October 1st.