Open
Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative
Supports retraining after major layoffs
Last Update: June 5, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
This program supports community-based projects for workers affected by a mass layoff. It funds workforce planning, training, and work experience activities that help workers transition to new jobs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Social Services
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Community workforce planning.
- Training and reskilling for affected workers.
- Work experience opportunities for workers.
- Support for employers to fill in-demand jobs.
Documents Needed
- Exact date of the mass layoff.
- Community name and workplace postal code.
- Number of individuals laid off.
- 3-digit NAICS code or sub-industry.
- Evidence of the layoff and local labour market conditions.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit organizations
- For-profit organizations
- Municipal governments
- Indigenous organizations or governments
- Educational institutions
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Expression of Interest must show the layoff meets funding eligibility.
- The layoff must have a significant impact on the community.
- The application must show local labour market conditions make job transition difficult.
- The full application is assessed against all requirements.
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare the Expression of Interest
- Gather the required layoff information and supporting evidence.
- Confirm that the layoff meets the program definition.
- Step 2: Submit by email
- Send the Expression of Interest with all required information by email.
- Wait for confirmation of receipt.
- Step 3: Respond to follow-up requests
- If information is missing, provide the requested details within 5 business days.
- Step 4: Full application
- If invited, complete the full application within 20 business days.
Processing and Agreement
- Submit an Expression of Interest by email.
- The department reviews eligibility within 3 to 4 business days.
- If eligible, you are invited to submit a full application.
- The full application must be completed within 20 business days after the invitation.
- An invitation to apply does not guarantee funding.
Additional information
- One project is funded per layoff event.
- Expression of Interest submissions are confirmed by email.
- Incomplete submissions may be returned for missing information.
- Organizations in Quebec may need to review M-30 requirements.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative Program
What is the Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative?
This program supports community-based projects for workers affected by a mass layoff. It funds workforce planning, training, and work experience activities that help workers transition to new jobs.
Who is eligible for the Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative program, you must:
Mass layoff after April 1, 2024
50+ permanent layoffs
Community job transition is difficult
What expenses are eligible under Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative?
Community workforce planning.
Training and reskilling for affected workers.
Work experience opportunities for workers.
Support for employers to fill in-demand jobs.
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) by email at EDSC.DGOP.ICPPPE-CROI.POB.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca.
Where is the Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative available?
The Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative program is available across Canada.
Is the Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative?
Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)