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Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers
Funding for Work-Sharing employer training top-ups
Last Update: May 18, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 16, 2026
- Closing date : December 31, 2026
Location
Alberta, Quebec, Canada
Overview
This program provides funding to employers with an approved and implemented Work-Sharing agreement. It supports weekly income top-ups for eligible employees in training, with funding used for the supplement and employer Mandatory Employment Related Costs.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop team skills
- Attract or retain talent
- Increase operational productivity
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 16, 2026
- Closing date : December 31, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Alberta, Quebec
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 2 employees minimum
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Training for employees in Work-Sharing units
- Upskilling and reskilling related to business operations and retention
- Flexible training delivery, including online, in person, on-the-job, peer-to-peer, or facilitator-led learning
Documents Needed
- Completed Grant Calculator (Excel)
- Completed online application form
- Supporting employee and payroll information requested in the form
- Signed and dated declaration
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employers in all sectors
- Private sector organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Public sector organizations
Who is not eligible
- Municipalities and government or publicly owned corporations
- Self-employed individuals
Eligible expenses
- Income supplement paid to eligible employees
- Employer share of EI premiums on the supplement
- Employer share of CPP contributions on the supplement
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Training design and delivery costs
- Professional fees and consulting
- Travel, accommodation, materials, supplies, venue, logistics, virtual platform licences, and printing
- Training during non-Work-Sharing weeks
- Conferences and legally required training
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are screened for completeness and eligibility.
- ESDC may request missing information, with 5 business days to respond.
- Funding decisions are expected within 45 days of a complete application.
- If approved, a funding agreement must be signed before eligible costs can be reimbursed.
- Decisions are final and there is no appeal process.
Additional information
- An approved and implemented Work-Sharing agreement is required before applying.
- Applications are reviewed on a first-complete, first-assessed basis.
- Decisions are final and there is no appeal process.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers. 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 Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers?
This program provides funding to employers with an approved and implemented Work-Sharing agreement. It supports weekly income top-ups for eligible employees in training, with funding used for the supplement and employer Mandatory Employment Related Costs.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is **December 31, 2026**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers program?
To be eligible for the Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers program, you must:
Approved Work-Sharing agreement
Training commitment for eligible employees
Work-Sharing program eligible employer
What expenses are eligible under Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers?
Training for employees in Work-Sharing units
Upskilling and reskilling related to business operations and retention
Flexible training delivery, including online, in person, on-the-job, peer-to-peer, or facilitator-led learning
Who can I contact for more information about the Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers?
You can contact Government of Canada by email at EDSC.DGOP.DMPJ.SMET-WRG.WDY.POB.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers available?
The Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers program is available the province of Alberta, Quebec.
Is the Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers is a Grant and Funding