May 12, 2026 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Employment and Social Development Canada
The global market and trade landscape is shifting rapidly, creating uncertainty and challenges for workers, industries and communities across Canada. In a changing world, the Government of Canada is focused on building a stronger, more resilient economy. This requires coordinated action from governments to protect jobs, strengthen local economies and help workers adapt.
Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario), and the Honourable Nolan Young, Nova Scotia's Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration, announced a new partnership agreement at Cherubini Bridges and Structures in Dartmouth.
New funding will support workers and employers in Nova Scotia who are directly or indirectly affected by tariffs and global market shifts in sectors such as steel, softwood lumber, fisheries and seafood, agri-food, and other export-related industries. The funding will help them adapt, retrain and succeed.
Approximately $13.8 million will be invested over three years through the Canada-Nova Scotia Workforce Tariff Response. This funding is expected to support up to 1,557 workers in Nova Scotia to build new skills and take advantage of emerging opportunities.
Support will be delivered through provincial programs and will focus on retraining, reskilling and upskilling, as well as reducing barriers so businesses can keep people working or help workers transition to new roles with the same employer.
The initiative will support:
- unemployed workers seeking to gain skills for in-demand jobs;
- workers participating in Work-Sharing agreements, allowing them to upskill or retrain as industries adjust; and
- employed workers seeking new skills to strengthen their resilience within companies affected by tariffs and global market shifts, including those in supply chains or single-industry communities.
Implementation of the agreement will be informed by labour, business and industry partners. Direct coordination with employers and enhanced data-sharing will help connect affected workers to training and employment opportunities.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment by the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia to support workers and businesses through a period of economic adjustment while building a strong, adaptable workforce.
Minister Fraser also announced nearly $4 million in funding to help Cherubini Bridges and Structures (Cherubini Metal Works) to modernize its operations, reach new markets, and compete in a changing global economy. As part of Canada's new government's tariff response, this support will help the company to hire skilled experts, train workers, strengthen data analytics, and purchase advanced manufacturing equipment. These investments will help Cherubini increase production, improve efficiency, reach customers, and build the capacity it needs to grow beyond current markets. This support is being delivered through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
