Ottawa opened online applications Thursday for a program intended to help employers retain staff and provide training while navigating economic disruption.

The Workforce Retention and Retraining Program forms part of the $3.5-billion worker-and-employer support investment announced in August. October 22 marks the application launch, rather than a new announcement of that entire funding package.

Employment and Social Development Canada says eligible employers can receive up to $1,000 per participating employee toward training and administration. Workers on reduced hours can combine EI Work-Sharing benefits with a training-related income top-up.

The program runs from October 2026 through March 2028. The department says employers already in Work-Sharing or receiving a Worker Retention Grant will transition without reapplying.

These are conditional supports, not automatic payments to every employer or worker. Applicants should review the government’s application instructions for their circumstances.

Source: ESDC’s October 22 announcement.

Editorial illustration of workplace retraining.