Worker Retention Grant

The Government of Canada’s continued actions to support workers and employers affected by tariffs, Service Canada launched the new Worker Retention Grant (Grant) .

The Grant is available for employers participating in the Work-Sharing program and who commit to providing training to their employees on their non-working days. It allows them to top up the income of their employees participating in training while in receipt of Work-Sharing benefits. Employers may choose different types of training most relevant to their business operations (e.g., online, informal, peer to peer learning etc.).  Resources are available to help find training offerings, including no-cost and low-cost options, through Job Bank’s new online Training Finder platform.

The Work-Sharing program helps employers undergoing a temporary downturn in business to avoid layoffs by providing EI income support to their employees who are working a reduced work week while their employer recovers. The new Worker Retention Grant will further help employers retain their employees, avoid layoffs and support worker upskilling to adapt to changing labour market needs during this time of continued uncertainty.

Application period: February 16, 2026, to December 31, 2026, at 3 pm EST

Funding amount: Funding amounts will vary depending on the details of the Work-Sharing agreement, such as the number of participating employees, the duration, and the reduction rate.

Who can apply: Employers in all sectors with an approved and implemented Work-Sharing agreement.

Where to get more information?

Employers interested in the Worker Retention Grant can reach out to edsc.dgop.dmpj.smet-wrg.wdy.pob.esdc@servicecanada.gc.ca to get more information.

Employer Contact Centre – For General work-sharing or Worker Retention Grant program support, technical issues, Data Gateway questions and guidance

1-800-367-5693 (Canada & U.S.)

TTY: 1-855-881-9874