Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Partner to Protect Tariff-Impacted Workers and Strengthen the Workforce

Press Release

The global trade landscape is shifting rapidly, creating uncertainty and challenges for workers, industries and communities across Canada. In a rapidly changing world, Canada must focus on what it can control: building a stronger, more resilient nation. This calls for decisive action from governments at all levels to protect jobs, strengthen local economies and ensure workers can adapt to changing economic realities.

Workers whose jobs have been directly or indirectly impacted by global tariffs will receive support to help them adapt, retrain and succeed, as a result of a partnership agreement announced today by the Honourable Buckley Bélanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development) on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, alongside the Honourable Eric Schmalz, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations; Minister of Immigration and Career Training; Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs; and Minister responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission.

Specifically, $15.6 million over three years will be invested through the new Canada–Saskatchewan Workforce Tariff Response to support workers and employers in steel, softwood lumber, and other directly and indirectly tariff-affected sectors. It is anticipated this new funding will support up to 1,800 workers in Saskatchewan build new skills and seize emerging opportunities.

Supports will be delivered through the existing province-wide network of SaskJobs offices and training partners ensuring timely support for workers who may benefit from retraining or employment assistance as they transition into new opportunities, including:

• unemployed workers building skills for in-demand jobs;
• workers whose employers are participating in Employment Insurance (EI) Work-Sharing agreements, allowing them to upskill or retrain as these industries adapt; and,
• employed workers strengthening their skills and resilience within companies or supply chains directly affected by tariffs and global market shifts.

Implementation of the partnership agreement will leverage both existing and new or enhanced programs and services. Coordinating directly with impacted businesses to protect jobs will give tariff‑affected workers and those in EI Work‑Sharing agreements improved opportunities for upskilling or retraining, in a changing economic landscape.

This approach reflects a shared commitment by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan to support Canadians through a period of significant economic adjustment, while building a strong, confident workforce—one where workers can navigate global uncertainty and industries can remain competitive in the global marketplace.

Quotes

“Canada’s workforce is strongest when employers and training partners work together. As global trade evolves, no worker will be left behind,” Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario Patty Hajdu said. “Through the Workforce Tariff Response, that means providing the tools and training workers need to secure good jobs, continue building strong communities, and ensure Canada remains resilient in the face of global challenges.”

“Today’s partnership marks a significant step forward in our commitment to support workers impacted by global tariffs,” Secretary of State (Rural Development) Buckley Belanger said. “By investing in retraining and skill development, we are empowering individuals to adapt to the changing economy and ensuring that they can thrive in new opportunities. Together with our provincial partners, we are fostering a resilient workforce that not only meets the challenges of today but also seizes the opportunities of tomorrow.”

“Saskatchewan is committed to protecting our economy despite uncertain global conditions,” Saskatchewan’s Immigration and Career Training Minister Eric Schmalz said. “While Saskatchewan’s market and trade diversification has lessened the impact of global tariffs, we are happy to partner with the federal government to take a proactive approach to protecting Saskatchewan from potential risks to our economy, our labour market and our people.”

Quick facts

• Through the Canada-Saskatchewan Workforce Tariff Response, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are delivering targeted training and employment services funded through Employment Insurance contributions by workers and employers, helping workers return to the labour market more quickly.
• The Government of Canada also invests over $65 million annually through the Labour Market Development Agreements and the Workforce Development Agreements in Saskatchewan, which support training and employment services for approximately 32,000 people each year, including:
  • 11,000 people who secure employment within about 6 months of receiving support;
  • 12,000 youth (15 to 29 years old), 13,000 mid-career workers (35 to 54 years old)
  • 11,000 workers from the trades, including 3,000 apprentices.
• At the national level, the agreement prepares workers to seize emerging opportunities, such as those that will be generated through national initiatives, including the Major Projects Office, Build Canada Homes, and the Defense Industrial Strategy.
• As of February 2026, Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate stands at 5.6 per cent, the lowest among provinces and significantly lower than the national average.

– 30 –

Associated links

• The Workforce Tariff Response: Preparing Canadian workers for the jobs of the future.
• Prime Minister Carney announces new measures to protect and strengthen Canada’s steel industry.
• Prime Minister Carney announces new measures to transform Canada’s softwood lumber industry.
• Prime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries.
• Minister Hajdu announces actions to grow and protect workers.

Media inquiries

Jennifer Kozelj
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
jennifer.kozelj@labour-travail.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Immigration and Career Training
Government of Saskatchewan
Email: Media.ICT@gov.sk.ca
Phone: 306-798-2369

IBF4