Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Announce $10.6 Million Workforce Support Program for Tariff-Impacted Workers

The federal and provincial governments announced a new $10.6-million initiative on Monday aimed at helping workers and employers in Newfoundland and Labrador adapt to the economic impacts of global tariffs and changing trade conditions.

The funding, to be provided over three years through the new Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Tariff Response, will support workers and businesses in industries directly and indirectly affected by tariffs and global market shifts.

Under the program, workers will have access to retraining, skills development and employment assistance designed to help them transition into new opportunities and strengthen their long-term employment prospects.

Support services will be delivered through the provincial Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development's network of Employment Centres across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Eligible participants will include unemployed workers seeking training for in-demand occupations, employees whose workplaces are participating in Work-Sharing Agreements, and workers looking to upgrade their skills while employed in tariff-affected industries or communities that rely heavily on those sectors.

The governments said the initiative will build on existing labour market programs while introducing new and enhanced measures. The partnership will also involve collaboration with labour and business representatives, as well as increased coordination with affected employers to help protect jobs and identify training opportunities.

Funding may be used to support employee training through private-sector businesses, non-profit organizations, municipal governments, Indigenous governments, cooperatives and certain public institutions.

Officials said the program is intended to help workers and employers respond to ongoing economic uncertainty while ensuring Newfoundland and Labrador's workforce remains competitive and resilient in a changing global economy.