'We're strengthening our critical sectors, addressing workforce demands'
The federal government is helping employers provide support to workers who have been affected by recent mass layoffs.
Ottawa is calling on stakeholders to submit proposals under the Community Workforce Development Program, which supports communities through workforce planning and skills training.
"Canadian workers and families impacted by layoffs expect and deserve support at a time of great distress and uncertainty,” said Steven MacKinnon, minister of jobs and families. “Today's announcement does just that by helping more workers in Canada's key sectors access the support, programs and coaching they need to get through layoffs, refine their training and find work sooner."
Only 34.9% of Canadian businesses plan to provide staff training in classrooms, workshops, or online over the next 12 months, according to a previous report from Statistics Canada (StatCan).
Recently, the federal government announced an investment of almost $5 million for four community-based projects under the Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative.
Of those projects, three are located in British Columbia while one is in Yukon. These projects complement existing programs and services to help displaced workers transition into new jobs, according to the federal government.
"By providing training and support to Yukon workers affected by layoffs, we're strengthening our critical sectors, addressing workforce demands, and empowering more Yukoners to sustain their livelihood and support their loved ones," said Brendan Hanley, member of parliament for Yukon.
Eligible organizations can apply to this continuous intake by submitting an expression of interest. Applications will be accepted until funding has been fully committed. Overall, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is investing $50 million over four years (2024–2025 to 2027–2028) to support communities and workers affected by unforeseen economic events.
The program is available to not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, municipal governments, Indigenous organizations or governments, and educational institutions that have gone through mass layoffs.
Employers can apply and learn more about the program right here.
About 2 in 5 Canadian workers feel pressured to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) for their job, according to a previous Robert Half report.
"AI upskilling is no longer confined to tech teams; it's become a workplace necessity across industries," according to a separate report from Udemy.
Funding for the Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative was first announced in the 2022 Fall Economic Statement as additional support to existing federal, provincial and territorial programming to support Canadian workers.
Here are some ways employers can support workers after laying them off, according to hiring process software provider Workable:
“As an employer, there are many ways in which you can tame that beast, and reduce the damage being done not only for your company but also for those you’ve just let go,” said Workable.
Siemens and South Shore Furniture have announced mass layoffs this year. Overall, half of employers expect their headcount will decrease in Canada over the next year in the face of U.S. tariffs.
