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Workforce Retention and Retraining Program – Retraining Grant
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) · The Retraining Grant supports employers participating in a Work-Sharing agreement who commit to training opportunities.
Overview
The Retraining Grant supports employers participating in a Work-Sharing agreement who commit to training opportunities. It provides income supplement to EI-eligible employees working reduced hours while participating in approved training, plus up to $1,000 per participant for training and administrative costs. Applications are open from February 16, 2026 to December 31, 2027.
Eligibility
Must be an employer with an approved and implemented Workforce Retention and Retraining Program - Work-Sharing agreementMust commit to fostering training opportunities for participating employeesMust meet conditions of both components of the Workforce Retention and Retraining ProgramEligible projects
Income support for EI-eligible employees working reduced hours while in approved trainingTraining costs for eligible participantsAdministrative costs related to training deliveryFinancing terms
Income supplement calculated based on reduction rate and EI benefit rateTraining funding of up to $1,000 per eligible participantEmployer reimbursement includes supplement amounts, EI premiums, and CPP contributionsAmounts vary depending on number of participating employees, agreement duration, and reduction rateHow to apply
1Check eligibilityConfirm you meet every criterion listed above before you start.
2Prepare the project packageProject description, budget with quotes, team, and recent financial statements.
3Apply on canada.caGovgrant members can draft the application with AI and export a formatted PDF.
4Respond to reviewer questionsMost programs come back with one round of questions within a few weeks of submission.
Additional information
Special measures extended to March 31, 2028 with expanded eligibility and program flexibilitiesGrant period cannot extend beyond March 25, 2028Employers must submit completed Grant Calculator form with applicationForms are Excel-based with automatic calculations for supplement amounts, EI premiums, and CPP contributionsPart of the broader Workforce Retention and Retraining Program which combines Work-Sharing and Retraining componentsAt a glanceMaximum$1KProviderEmployment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)DeadlineDec 31, 2027StatusOpenRegionCanadaOfficial sourcecanada.ca ↗
Members only
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