New Support for Workers, Businesses Affected by Tariffs, Global Trade Changes

Nova Scotia workers and businesses affected by global market shifts, trade changes and tariffs will have access to new training and income supports.

The assistance – funded by the federal government and delivered through provincial programs – will be available to those in export-related industries such as steel, softwood lumber, fisheries and seafood, agri-food and others.

“This is about putting workers first,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “Global tariffs and market changes are creating uncertainty for some industries, and we’re stepping up to help. We’re making sure Nova Scotians have the training, support and opportunities they need to keep working, build new skills and move into new opportunities.”

The $13.8-million federal Workforce Tariff Response Fund was announced today, May 12. Over the next three years, the investment will support up to 1,572 workers who have been directly or indirectly affected by tariffs and global market shifts.

Support will be delivered through provincial programs and will focus on:

• unemployed workers looking to gain skills for in-demand jobs
• workers in Work-Sharing Program agreements who can expand their skill set or retrain while their hours are reduced
• employed workers who need new skills to stay competitive in companies affected by tariffs and global market shifts, including those in supply chains and single-industry communities.

This support means businesses will be able to keep people working and/or help workers move into new roles.

The Province will work closely with industry partners, sector councils and the federal government to ensure programs respond to local workforce needs and are easy to access.

Nova Scotia’s economy has remained relatively resilient since new global tariffs were put in place last year, with many sectors adapting and finding new markets. This funding builds on that strength by providing targeted support where pressures are emerging – helping workers and businesses stay ahead of change.

Quotes:

“People want to build a future in the communities they call home. As global markets continue to create pressure for workers and businesses across Nova Scotia, the federal government is investing in measures that will help keep experienced workers on the job and help communities respond to economic change with confidence.”
— Sean Fraser, MP for Central Nova and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families

“This funding supports Nova Scotia’s automotive sector as it addresses tariff pressures and workforce challenges. Through our Rural Routes project, the investment will connect rural employers with the talent and resources needed for growth and competitiveness.”
— Michelle Veinot, Executive Director, Automotive Sector Council & Retail Gasoline Dealers Association (tariff response funding recipient)

Quick Facts:

• the Workforce Tariff Response Fund is part of the Canada–Nova Scotia Labour Market Development Agreement, funded through employment insurance contributions
• Nova Scotia’s unemployment rate was 6.3 per cent as of April; it was 7.2 per cent in April 2025
• the federal Work-Sharing Program is available to eligible employers that face a loss of business due to factors beyond their control; through the program, layoffs can be avoided by workers having their hours reduced and the available work shared, and eligible employees may receive employment insurance benefits to help offset reduced hours
• the federal government invests more than $100 million annually in Nova Scotia through labour market agreements
• tariff-response supports will be delivered locally through a provincewide network to ensure access in communities across Nova Scotia

Additional Resources:

Nova Scotia’s response to tariffs: https://novascotia.ca/tariffs/

Canada - Nova Scotia Labour Market Development Agreement: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/training-agreements/lmda/ns-agreement.html

Information on the Work-Sharing Program: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing.html

Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way