The Government of Canada has launched a new Worker Retention Grant to help employers and workers navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, including challenges related to tariffs.

Delivered through Service Canada, the Worker Retention Grant is available to employers participating in the Work-Sharing program who commit to providing training to employees during their non-working days. The grant enables employers to top up employees’ income while they receive Employment Insurance (EI) Work-Sharing benefits and participate in training.

Employers can choose training that best fits their operational needs, including online courses, informal learning, or peer-to-peer instruction. Additional resources, including free and low-cost training options, are available through Job Bank’s new online Training Finder platform.

The Work-Sharing program helps employers experiencing a temporary downturn avoid layoffs by reducing employees’ work hours while providing EI income support. The new Worker Retention Grant builds on this program by supporting skills development and helping workers adapt to evolving labour market demands.

Employers interested in the Worker Retention Grant can contact Service Canada at edsc.dgop.dmpj.smet-wrg.wdy.pob.esdc@servicecanada.gc.ca, or call the Employer Contact Centre at 1-800-367-5693 (TTY: 1-855-881-9874) for more information and support.