Closed
Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program
Funding to support employers toward economic recovery
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Up to 10% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : March 31, 2024
Location
Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
Overview
The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program offers funding of up to $50,000,000 to support projects aimed at addressing current and emerging workforce needs across key sectors of the Canadian economy. Eligible activities include training and reskilling workers, attracting and retaining a diverse workforce, and implementing creative solutions to meet labor market demands.
/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
- Up to 10% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : March 31, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Gatineau
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Hospitals and Rehabilitation
- Other Health Services
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Professional Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- New immigrants & refugees
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- LGBTQ+ community
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program funds projects focused on addressing workforce challenges in various key sectors. Eligible activities aim at enhancing skills and employment opportunities through targeted initiatives.
- Training and reskilling workers to meet emerging workforce needs.
- Implementing creative solutions to address labour market demands.
- Developing solutions for employers to attract and retain skilled workers.
- Establishing sector-wide standards and tools to support industry-driven initiatives.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Completed budget detail template
- Letter from partner(s) confirming participation
- Supporting proof of legal status, if required
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants for this grant included not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, municipal governments, Indigenous organizations (such as band councils, tribal councils, and self-government entities), and provincial or territorial government bodies, including institutions, agencies, and Crown corporations. Applicants must also have demonstrated the capacity and readiness to quickly establish a project, shown in-depth knowledge of skills issues in a sector or multiple sectors, and built established partnerships with national, provincial, and/or regional sectoral stakeholders.Who is not eligible
- Organizations not invited by Employment and Social Development Canada for the solicited call
Eligible expenses
This program supports large-scale projects that address workforce needs in key Canadian sectors through innovative solutions. The eligible activities focus on training, developing standards and tools, and creative solutions that enhance sectorial resilience and participation.
- Training and reskilling initiatives to update workers' skills and meet sector demands.
- Developing solutions to assist employers in attracting and retaining talent.
- Creation and implementation of sector-wide standards and tools to enhance workforce capabilities.
- Innovative solutions to address specific sectoral challenges creatively and effectively.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Human resources tools developed solely for one organization’s use
- Capital improvements such as building construction or renovation
- Products that only one organization would use
- Duplicate existing products or programs
- Regular ongoing operational activities not related to the project
Eligible geographic areas
- National projects in at least three provinces or territories
- Regional projects in a province or territory, a major economic hub, or a key sector-based cluster
- Organizations located and operating in Quebec must comply with M-30 requirements
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed as part of a competitive process.
- Only proposals from invited organizations were considered under the solicited call.
- Projects can start only after approval and a signed funding agreement.
- Funding is provided only for activities that begin after the agreement is signed.
- Applicants receive a confirmation of receipt after submission.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Organizations in Quebec must comply with specific conditions under An Act respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif (M-30) before signing agreements with the Government of Canada.
- Successful projects are expected to commence activities quickly, within two months after the start of the project, especially for post-pandemic recovery initiatives.
- There is an expectation for projects to have in-kind or cash contributions amounting to at least 10% of total project costs, except for healthcare sector projects.
- Projects need to show how they will increase participation of equity-deserving groups through embedded diversity and inclusion strategies.
- Equity-deserving groups targeted include women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, Black Canadians, other racialized communities, newcomers, and LGBTQ2 communities.
- The program encourages collaboration with national, provincial, or regional stakeholders to ensure projects are employer or industry-driven.
- Applicants are limited to submitting only one application per organization.
- Projects must target a minimum of 250 participants and involve at least 50 employers, except for healthcare sector projects.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program. 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 Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program?
The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program offers funding of up to $50,000,000 to support projects aimed at addressing current and emerging workforce needs across key sectors of the Canadian economy. Eligible activities include training and reskilling workers, attracting and retaining a diverse workforce, and implementing creative solutions to meet labor market demands.
How much funding can be received?
Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program Funds up to 10% of admissible expenses.
What expenses are eligible under Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program?
The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program funds projects focused on addressing workforce challenges in various key sectors. Eligible activities aim at enhancing skills and employment opportunities through targeted initiatives. Training and reskilling workers to meet emerging workforce needs.
Implementing creative solutions to address labour market demands.
Developing solutions for employers to attract and retain skilled workers.
Establishing sector-wide standards and tools to support industry-driven initiatives.
Who can I contact for more information about the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) by email at PSMS_OUVERT-SWSP_OPEN@servicecanada.gc.ca.
Where is the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program available?
The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program?
Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)