The global trade landscape is shifting rapidly, creating uncertainty and challenges for workers, industries and communities across Canada. In a rapidly changing world, the Government of Canada is focusing on what it can control: building a stronger, more resilient Canada. This calls for decisive action from governments at all levels to protect jobs, strengthen local economies and ensure workers can adapt to changing economic realities.
Northwest Territories' (NWT) workers whose jobs have been directly or indirectly impacted by tariffs and global market shifts will have access to programs and financial assistance to help them adapt, retrain and succeed in the labour market. This is the result of a partnership agreement announced today by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, and the Honourable Caitlin Cleveland, the Northwest Territories' Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
Specifically, $1.5 million over three years will be invested through the new Canada-Northwest Territories Workforce Tariff Response, which will be integrated into the NWT's existing labour market programs. This investment will help NWT residents affected by US tariffs and global market shifts-including impacts felt across the diamond mining sector-to access the training, employment services and financial assistance they need to help them retrain, upskill and transition into new opportunities.
This investment will allow eligible NWT residents to access enhanced labour market programs that include time-limited enhancements such as increased funding maximums, broader range of training opportunities and other flexibilities that help build a resilient and future-ready NWT workforce.
This approach reflects a shared commitment by the governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories to support Canadians through a period of significant economic adjustment, while building a strong, confident workforce-one where workers can navigate global uncertainty and industries can remain competitive in the global marketplace.
