Workforce Retention and Retraining Program (WRRP)
The new Workforce Retention and Retraining Program (WRRP) will provide flexible and easy-to-access support for businesses facing economic challenges, including those related to tariffs. It will help businesses retain and retrain workers who have agreed to work temporarily reduced hours and will provide employers with funding of up to $1,000 per participating employee to support training costs.
Under the program, employers can work with Service Canada to allow for reductions in employee work schedules, with training activities taking place in their non-working hours. In addition to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, participating EI eligible workers will be able to receive support for a total of 70% of their lost earnings for time not worked, compared to 55% of insurable earnings.
The WRRP will be delivered in collaboration with regional development agencies so that small and medium-sized enterprises can get the help that they need quickly and efficiently.
Until the new Workforce Retention and Retraining Program comes into effect, the Work-Sharing Program and the Worker Retention Grant (WRG) will continue to operate with additional flexibilities:
- Eligible employers will include businesses that need to transform, retool or diversify, even if they don’t already have reduced business activity
- The duration of work-sharing agreements will range from as little as 4 weeks to as long as 152 weeks, to help employers plan transitions better
- Allow for work hours to be shared in different proportions among employees, to accommodate a wider range of business needs
Services et renseignements
Prevent layoffs with the Work-Sharing Program
Find more information on the measures for employers experiencing a temporary reduction in business.
Worker Retention Grant
Learn more about how employers with an approved and implemented Work-Sharing agreement can provide additional income and training support to their participating employees.