Skills Training, Employment & Post Secondary (STEPS)

Culturally-grounded and client-centred Employment Services, including:

• Intake assessment to identify needs, aptitudes, priorities and goals; 
• Career decision-making support;
• Training needs assessment and referrals to other supports;
• Pre-employment supports, such as labour-market research, resume writing, interview skills, and leveraging online presence; and
• Post-employment support to ensure job maintenance.

A client-driven program designed:

• To encourage employers to hire qualified Métis talent;
• For clients to gain employment in their field of study, or advance their career;
• As a low-risk opportunity for the employer and employee to assess fit during the placement, while assessing financial incentives in the form of a wage subsidy.

A client-driven program designed:

• As part of a current education or apprenticeship program that includes a mandatory workplace component.
• To encourage employers to offer on-the-job practical experience (mentorship) to Métis trainees and provide financial support to qualified clients while gaining valuable training.
• For clients with or without work experience, recent graduates (six-month window), and clients in precarious situations.

MNBC offers foundational and in-demand skills training and education upgrades.

• Many of these courses are ongoing, scheduled, and/or specially curated to regional labour market demands.
• Training is often organized in Métis-specific cohorts, but individual seat enrollments are used to address availability and capacity challenges, as well as ensure fair pricing. 

Training Opportunities

Client-initiated and requested funding for full-time or part-time enrollment in:

• Academic and other specialty education and skill training programs offered by designated educational institutions or private training institutions; OR
• Foundational and in-demand skills training and education upgrade programs in Canada, not offered by MNBC through partnerships with its training partners. 

Financial Support is available for:

• Training (tuition) costs;
• Mandatory post-secondary institute program fees;
• Professional designation fees; and tutoring; 
• $250 per semester or $500 per funding contract for clients to purchase required books, materials, tools, and equipment as outlined in program or course curriculum. 

The Ministry of Skills Training, Employment, and Post-Secondary Education (STEPS) is making amendments to its Standards of Practice (SOP).

The main objectives of the proposed amendments are to:

• Expand information on available programs, services, and supports; and
• Update language and information to ensure continued clarity and transparency.

The changes are intended to help applicants/clients understand STEPS available programs, services, and support.

The amendments include, but are not limited to:

• Expanding information on employment-related supports available to Métis citizens. (Page 4)
• Changes to “new hire” requirements for Career Placement, Paid Practicum, Apprenticeship (Page 5), and Wage Subsidy (Page 8) arrangements;
• Introduction of set amounts per year for clients to purchase books, supplies, and other course materials. (Page 10);
• Clarifying determination of full-time or part-time study status for the purpose of accessing wrap-around supports (Page 11);
• Introduction of Other Financial Support section (Page 13), including:
  • Laptop support
  • STEPS Scholarships, Bursaries, and Grants

Understanding Your Tax Slips

MNBC reports all tuition and training supports provided to you to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). In accordance with CRA regulations, MNBC issues tax slips for any funding amount exceeding $500.00. These slips are issued for all training supports, whether the funds were paid directly to you or sent to your school on your behalf. 

• Reporting Period: Tax slips reflect funding provided between January 1 and December 31 (the calendar year)
• T4E (Statement of EI Benefits): If you are eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) and applying for funding, we may utilize a funding source that requires us to provide a T4E. This does not affect your EI eligibility or benefits; it is simply a funding stream we are able to utilize for individuals who are EI-eligible.
• T4A (Statement of Pension/Other Income): Issued if your training was supported through our standard Indigenous skills and employment programs.
• Multiple Slips: You will receive a tax slip for every funding source used to support your goals. If you transitioned between programs or funding sources mid-year, you would receive a separate slip for each stream. 

Navigating Your T2202 (Tuition Certificate)

The T2202 is the official document issued by your school (not MNBC). It is used to calculate the Tuition Tax Credit, which helps offset the income reported on your MNBC tax slips. 

• Where to get it: Log into your school's student portal or contact your School Registrar. 
• Audit Readiness: Ensure your tax preparer has both your MNBC slips and your T2202 to complete Federal Schedule 11

The Tax "Box" Decoder Table

Use this table to help your tax preparer identify the key figures on your forms:

External Resources and Support

For comprehensive guidance and free filing assistance, please refer to the following CRA resources:

• CRA Student Tax Guide
• Free Tax Clinics
• Indigenous Tax Filing: If you are registered under the Indian Act and your income is tax-exempt, provide Form T90 to your tax preparer.

Funding Limits and Policy

• Annual Limit: $12,500 per 52-week period.
• Lifetime Cap: $50,000 maximum per client; some programs may be exempt.
• Fiscal Year: While tax slips follow the calendar year, MNBC funding follows the Fiscal Year (April 1 - March 31). You must reapply at the end of each contract. 

Important Disclaimer

MNBC and the STEPS Ministry cannot provide professional tax advice. We can only confirm the specific amounts reported on your slips. Please consult a certified tax professional or the CRA for filing assistance.

Contact Information

• Tax Slip Inquiries: taxforms@mnbc.ca
• Funding Questions: 1-800-940-1150 (Ask for your TCC)

Quick Guide on Tax Slips

Grants, Bursaries, and Scholarships from the Ministry of STEPS

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