The Workforce Tariff Response
Preparing Canadian workers for the jobs of the future through the Employment Insurance-funded Labour Market Development Agreements
On this page
- Challenges facing Canadian industry
- Workforce tariff response
- Who is eligible?
- Success stories
- Results
- Building a stronger future
Challenges facing Canadian industry
Recent tariffs and trade disruptions have made it harder for many Canadian industries to remain competitive. Employers in industries like steel and softwood lumber have had to make difficult choices to remain in business. These choices are impacting workers, businesses, and communities across the country.
Steel
According to the Canadian Steel Producers Association, the steel industry has already lost nearly 1,000 jobs. Job losses could increase dramatically over the next two to three years. This would put over six thousand steel jobs at risk.
Softwood lumber
The softwood lumber industry is also facing serious challenges. These businesses, which rely on the United States (US) market, support around 30,000 jobs.
Workforce Tariff Response
In response to these challenges, Canada is investing $570 million over three years through the Workforce Tariff Response. The goal of this investment is to help up to 66,000 workers in vulnerable industries.
Canada will invest:
- $70 million to support steel workers
- $50 million to support softwood lumber workers, and
- $450 million to support workers affected by tariffs and global market shifts
These investments are made through the Labour Market Development Agreements. These agreements fund provincial and territorial employment centres and training programs. This investment will help eligible workers:
- develop skills and gain experience to transition to new work
- find new opportunities in growing industries, and
- keep their current job by upgrading their skill sets
These investments will help tens of thousands of workers develop the skills to meet the future needs of Canadian industry.
Key numbers at a glance (2025-2026 to 2027-2028)
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Alberta
- Steel support
- Softwood lumber support
- Broader tariffs support
-
British Columbia
- Steel support
- Softwood lumber support
- Broader tariffs support
-
Manitoba
- Steel support
- Softwood lumber support
- Broader tariffs support
-
New Brunswick
- Softwood lumber support
- Broader tariffs support
-
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Steel support
- Softwood lumber support
- Broader tariffs support
-
Northwest Territories
- Softwood lumber support
- Broader tariffs support
-
Nova Scotia
- Steel support
- Softwood lumber support
- Broader tariffs support
-
Nunavut
- Softwood lumber support
- Broader tariffs support
-
Ontario
- Steel support
- Softwood lumber support
- Broader tariffs support
-
Prince Edward Island
- Steel support
- Softwood lumber support
- Broader tariffs support
-
Quebec
- Steel support
- Softwood lumber support
- Broader tariffs support
-
Saskatchewan
- Steel support
- Softwood lumber support
- Broader tariffs support
-
Yukon
- Softwood lumber support
- Broader tariffs support
Who’s eligible
Eligible participants are workers in industries impacted by tariffs and global market shifts. They must be:
- employed
- eligible to claim, or
- receiving Employment Insurance
To find out if you are eligible, please select the province or territory you call home. There you will also find details on the programs and services available to workers. Services will be available in both official languages where there is significant demand.
Provincial and territorial programs
Language requirements for webpages may vary by jurisdiction.
Measuring results for Canadians
EI Monitoring and Assessment Report
Published annually, the EI Monitoring and Assessment Report showcases how EI benefits are supporting Canadians in the labour market.
EI Monitoring and Assessment Report
Canada's Labour Market Agreements: Sharing key results with Canadians
This annual report highlights the key outcomes achieved through the Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) and the Workforce Development Agreements (WDAs). The report explores the impact of investments in skills training and employment supports across Canada.
Canada's Labour Market Agreements: Sharing key results with Canadians (2022-2023)
Building a stronger future
No matter which industry they work in, Canadians and their communities deserve fairness, opportunity, and stability. By investing in critical industries and their workers, the Government of Canada is standing with Canadians. Together, we will protect good jobs and build a more resilient economy.
