March 27, 2026 Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Employment and Social Development Canada
The global trade landscape is shifting rapidly, creating uncertainty and challenges for workers, industries and communities across Canada. In a rapidly changing world, Canada must focus on what it can control: building a stronger, more resilient nation. 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.
Workers whose jobs have been directly or indirectly impacted by global tariffs will receive support to help them adapt, retrain and succeed, as a result of a partnership agreement announced today by the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development) on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, alongside the Honourable Eric Schmalz, Saskatchewan's Minister of Government Relations, Minister of Immigration and Career Training, Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs, and Minister responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission.
Specifically, $15.6 million over three years will be invested through the new Canada-Saskatchewan Workforce Tariff Response to support workers and employers in the steel and softwood lumber sectors, as well as other directly and indirectly tariff-affected sectors. It is anticipated his new funding will support up to 1,800 workers in Saskatchewan build new skills and seize emerging opportunities.
Supports will be delivered through the existing province-wide network of SaskJobs offices and training partners, which will ensure timely support for workers who may benefit from retraining or employment assistance as they transition into new opportunities, including:
- unemployed workers building skills for in-demand jobs;
- workers whose employers are participating in Employment Insurance Work-Sharing agreements, allowing them to upskill or retrain as these industries adapt; and,
- employed workers strengthening their skills and resilience within companies or supply chains directly affected by tariffs and global market shifts.
Implementation of the partnership agreement will leverage both existing and new or enhanced program and services. Coordinating directly with impacted businesses to protect jobs will give tariff‑affected workers and those in Employment Insurance Work‑Sharing agreements improved opportunities for upskilling or retraining, in a changing economic landscape.
This approach reflects a shared commitment by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan 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.
