Open
Source verified August 10, 2026
Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction
Work-time reduction to preserve jobs
Funding available
$ 10,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction supports Quebec employers and self-employed workers facing major changes that threaten jobs, helping them redesign schedules to keep employees in place. Eligible activities include external consulting, employee training, and work-time reduction options such as reduced weekly hours, job sharing, progressive retirement, and early retirement.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Up to 40% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Non-financial cooperative
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Professional Associations
- Unions
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Projects to arrange and reduce work time through an ARTT plan.
- Work-time reduction modalities such as reduced weekly hours, part-time work, job sharing, reduced overtime, compensatory leave, unpaid leave, deferred salary sabbatical, accumulated leave, progressive retirement, study leave, parental leave, and early retirement.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employers in Quebec.
- Private companies, worker or employer associations, professional associations, non-profit organizations, and cooperatives.
- Self-employed workers.
Who is not eligible
- Public bodies.
- Political organizations.
Eligible expenses
- Fees of an external consultant hired to set up a consultation committee and develop the ARTT plan.
- Expenses related to training and knowledge transfer for employees covered by the ARTT plan, if they are not already covered by another agreement with the Ministry.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- The investment amount corresponding to the minimum required under the Law favoring the development of workforce training (Loi du 1 %) must be excluded from training expenses charged to the plan.
- Training expenses already covered by another agreement with the Ministry, such as MFOR, are not eligible under the ARTT plan.
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Selection criteria
- Applications are assessed based on the nature of the project, the employer’s financial capacity, the needs of the employer and workers, expected results, the sector of activity, and available budget.
- Priority is given to businesses planning to abolish positions and showing good business prospects once restructuring is complete.
How to apply
- Contact an enterprise advisor at the Services Québec office in your region.
Processing and Agreement
- A business advisor analyzes the file and determines the amount of financial aid.
- A Ministry representative participates in the consultation committee and acts as a resource person.
- Progress reports and, if needed, adjustments to the agreement are required, followed by a final report.
- Employees who participate must sign a personal commitment contract, and a copy must be kept in the physical file.
Additional information
- Employees’ participation in an ARTT plan is voluntary, and the choice of work-time reduction modality is personal.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction Program
What is the Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction?
Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction supports Quebec employers and self-employed workers facing major changes that threaten jobs, helping them redesign schedules to keep employees in place. Eligible activities include external consulting, employee training, and work-time reduction options such as reduced weekly hours, job sharing, progressive retirement, and early retirement.
How much funding can be received?
Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction program?
To be eligible for the Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction program, you must:
The request must relate to an ARTT project to arrange or reduce working time.
The program is open to employers in Quebec, regardless of company size.
What expenses are eligible under Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction?
Projects to arrange and reduce work time through an ARTT plan.
Work-time reduction modalities such as reduced weekly hours, part-time work, job sharing, reduced overtime, compensatory leave, unpaid leave, deferred salary sabbatical, accumulated leave, progressive retirement, study leave, parental leave, and early retirement.
Who can I contact for more information about the Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction?
You can contact Ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (MESSQ).
Where is the Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction available?
The Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction is a Grant and Funding