Work-Sharing program

• Minimum duration of a Work-Sharing agreement is 6 weeks, which can be extended up to a maximum of 38 weeks under normal conditions.
• Extensions of up to 12 weeks may be requested, requiring application submission at least 4 weeks prior to the agreement end date.
• The agreement provides income support to employees who reduce their work week and are eligible for Employment Insurance benefits.
• All agreements include a mandatory cooling-off period equal to the number of weeks used in the previous agreement, up to a maximum of 38 weeks.
• Work-Sharing agreements must start on a Sunday to align with the Employment Insurance payment cycle.
• Special measures under economic downturn, natural disasters, or national emergencies, may alter the usual terms, such as extending agreement durations and waiving cooling-off periods.
• Work-Sharing agreements approved under special measures for U.S. tariffs may last up to 76 weeks, with waivers for the required cooling-off period.

• The employer must have been operating in Canada for a minimum of 1 year.
• The business must have a minimum of 2 employees who are eligible for Employment Insurance and agree to a reduction in hours and to share available work.
• For employers affected by U.S. tariffs or the Jasper and Bunibonibee Cree Nation wildfires, the business activity decline must be attributable to these events.
• Be a business new to the Work-Sharing program, have an existing Work-Sharing agreement, or be serving a mandatory cooling-off period.
• Non-profit and charitable organizations experiencing a reduction in revenue due to tariffs, cyclical or seasonal employers, and those without a recent 10% decrease in business activity may apply under certain special measures.

Who is eligible?

• Businesses operating in Canada for a minimum of 1 year
• Non-profit and charitable organizations
• Cyclical or seasonal employers
• Employers experiencing a decrease in work activity over the past six months of less than 10%

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies may not be eligible for the Work-Sharing Program grant. Not eligible companies include:

• Companies not experiencing a temporary decrease in business activity beyond their control
• Companies unable to meet the minimum 10% reduction in normal weekly earnings for all employees

Eligible expenses

This grant facilitates the maintenance of employment during temporary business declines beyond employers' control. Eligible activities under this program ensure equitable sharing of available work and support income stability for employees.

• Implementing reduced work schedules for employees to prevent layoffs.
• Engaging in Work-Sharing agreements involving employers, employees, unions (if applicable), and Service Canada.
• Applying for extensions when necessary to continue Work-Sharing agreements.
• Utilizing special measures during defined periods to address impacts from events like wildfires or economic downturns.

Eligible geographic areas

• Jasper, Alberta
• Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Manitoba

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Work-Sharing Program grant:

• Demonstrated temporary decrease in business activity beyond the employer's control
• Minimum 10% reduction in normal weekly earnings for all participating employees
• Agreement signed by employer, employees, and Service Canada
• Agreed reduced work schedule and equal sharing of available work
• Application submitted with employer/employee/union representatives

• Work-Sharing agreements approved under special measures related to external crises such as U.S. tariffs or natural disasters may allow for exceptions to standard terms, including extended duration and waived cooling-off periods.
• For agreements starting after September 25, 2022, a mandatory four-week advance notice is required for requesting an extension of the Work-Sharing agreement.
• The Work-Sharing program stipulates that agreements can only start on a Sunday to align with the Employment Insurance payment cycle.
• The program may introduce temporary special measures at any time to address specific events like economic downturns or natural disasters, providing tailored support based on the specific crisis circumstances.
• Businesses can utilize Work-Sharing during a defined period to ensure they maintain their workforce and operational viability in times of decreased business activity due to uncontrollable external factors.