Open
Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative
Supports retraining after major layoffs
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Location
Quebec, 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
- Quebec
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.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit organizations
- For-profit organizations
- Municipal governments
- Indigenous organizations or governments
- Educational institutions
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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 the province of Quebec.
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)