Open
Source verified July 20, 2026
Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers
Funding for Work-Sharing employer training top-ups
Funding available
Up to 70% of project cost
Deadline
December 31, 2026
Opened February 16, 2026
Location
Alberta, Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Employers in all sectors with an approved and implemented Work-Sharing agreement.
See full eligibility
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
- Up to 70% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta, Quebec
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Training opportunities for employees during reduced work hours under a Work-Sharing agreement.
Documents Needed
- Grant Calculator
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employers in all sectors with an approved and implemented Work-Sharing agreement.
Who is not eligible
- Municipalities and government or publicly owned corporations
- Self-employed individuals
Eligible expenses
- Income supplement paid to eligible employees
- Mandatory Employment Related Costs on the supplement, limited to the employer portion only of Employment Insurance premiums and Canada Pension Plan or Quebec Pension Plan contributions
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
Selection criteria
- A cost analysis comparing temporary layoff costs with the proposed Work-Sharing agreement costs is used in the assessment.
- A social and community impact assessment is part of the review.
How to apply
- Download and save the Grant Calculator to your computer before entering any information.
- Complete the Grant Calculator, save the updated file, and provide all employees a copy of the Employee Annex included in the Grant Calculator workbook.
- If you do not already have a Services en ligne des subventions et contributions (SELSC) account, follow the steps to create one and complete your user and organization profile using the payroll account number (RP) assigned by the Canada Revenue Agency when you register.
- Submit the application through Services en ligne des subventions et contributions (SELSC).
Processing and Agreement
- Service Canada checks the information against Work-Sharing utilization reports, EI Work-Sharing benefit information, and official EI records.
- The review confirms whether the employer and employees are eligible, how much funding is approved, and how much each participating employee may receive.
- If approved, the employer pays the supplement in instalments.
- Payments depend on ongoing eligibility and are only paid for eligible Work-Sharing weeks.
- ESDC expects funding decisions within 45 days of receipt of a complete application; if the application is incomplete, Service Canada will send an email and the missing information must be submitted within 5 business days or the application may be rejected. The timeline may be extended if the Work-Sharing agreement has not yet been implemented, and decisions are final with no appeal process.
Additional information
- Employee participation in the Worker Retention Grant training is optional and does not affect participation in Work-Sharing or EI Work-Sharing benefits.
- Organizations located and operating in Alberta or Quebec may be required to obtain approval from the Alberta or Quebec government before accepting funding from ESDC.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers Program
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.
How much funding can be received?
Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers Funds up to 70% of admissible expenses.
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:
The employer must be eligible for the Work-Sharing Program.
The employer must have an approved and implemented Work-Sharing agreement.
The employer must commit to providing training opportunities for eligible employees for at least 40% of the agreement period, including any extension beyond 38 weeks.
What expenses are eligible under Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers?
Training opportunities for employees during reduced work hours under a Work-Sharing agreement.
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 1-800-367-5693.
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.