How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $10000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction?

Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction is funded by Gouvernement du Québec, Ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (MESSQ)

What are Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction's eligibility criterias?

Eligible applicants include private companies, worker or employer associations, professional associations, non-profit organizations, and cooperatives. Self-employed individuals are also eligible. Priority is given to medium and large enterprises.

Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Funding and advice to create alternate work arrangements in Quebec

Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $10,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : November 14, 2019

Financing Type

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Gouvernement du Québec
Ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (MESSQ)

Program status

Open

Overview of the Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction program

Get expert advice and a contribution of up to 50% of expenses relating to implementing a work hour reduction plan for your business.

Eligible projects & activities

This grant is available to all employers located in the province of Quebec, with a focus on regional priorities.

All companies based within the province of Quebec.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 6,000

Implement a flexible work schedule to increase productivity at a tech company

$ 4,000

Reorganize work schedules for a cooperative grocery store

$ 4,250

Create a new flexible work hour policy for an educational NPO

$ 4,000

Develop a reduced work hour plan for a non-profit art organization

$ 5,000

Introduce reduced work hours to improve work-life balance at a social enterprise

$ 5,000

Develop and implement a new shift system for a financial cooperative

Eligibility criteria of the Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction program

In order to be eligible for this grant, applicants must meet specific criteria related to the type of organization and its potential impact.

The applicant must be an employer situated in Quebec.
The types of organizations that qualify include private businesses, worker or employer associations, professional associations, non-profit organizations, and cooperatives.
Self-employed individuals are also eligible to apply.
Public agencies and political organizations are not eligible to apply.
The program prioritizes medium and large-sized enterprises.

Who is eligible?

All employers in Quebec, except public bodies and political organizations, can apply. Eligible organizations include private businesses, worker or employer associations, professional associations, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, and self-employed workers. Medium and large enterprises are prioritized.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries based on their status, particularly focusing on non-eligible public or political organizations. These restrictions ensure effective allocation of resources to appropriate sectors.

Public organizations.
Political organizations.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports initiatives related to the management and reorganization of work schedules to help retain employees. The projects focus on developing strategic plans and providing necessary training to adapt to business changes.

Engaging an external consultant to establish a consultative committee.
Developing a plan for the management and reduction of work hours (ARTT).
Training expenses for employees affected by the ARTT plan.

Eligible geographic areas

The grant covers specific expenses related to the implementation of workplace time management adaptations.

Consulting fees for an external consultant to set up a consultation committee.
Fees for developing a plan for workplace time management and reduction.
Expenses related to employee training for the time management and reduction plan.

Eligibility criteria of the Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction program

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation and selection criteria are as follows:

Nature of the project
Needs of your company
Budget envelope
Industry sector
Regional and Quebec priorities

How to apply to the Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction program

Contact an advisor

Communicate with a business advisor from the Services Québec office in your region.
Support will be provided to analyze your specific needs.

Needs Analysis

Work with the advisor to understand and define your business's needs related to work schedule management.
Identify solutions that are suitable for your situation.

Drafting of the proposal

Prepare a project proposal detailing the layout plan and reduction of working hours.
Include anticipated expenses such as consultant fees and training costs.

Submission of the request

Submit the request by filling out the required form and providing the project proposal to the Services Québec office.

Monitoring and decision

Receive the decision after your file has been analyzed considering several factors.

Additional information

This grant program is designed to help employers in Quebec coordinate and fund projects aimed at organizing and reducing work hours to maintain employment during workplace changes. The application process involves working with a business advisor from Services Quebec.

Admissible organizations include private enterprises, worker/employer associations, professional associations, non-profit organizations, and cooperatives.
Self-employed workers are also eligible.
Priority is given to medium and large enterprises.
Examples of fundable expenses include hiring external consultants, establishing a consultation committee, developing an ARTT plan, and training employees.
Final funding decisions consider factors such as the project's nature, the company's needs, budget, sector, and regional and provincial priorities.
Contact a business advisor at your local Services Quebec office for application assistance.
More detailed information is available in the Guide des mesures et des services d’emploi (PDF 241 Ko).