The federal and Saskatchewan governments are launching a $15.6-million initiative to support workers and industries hit by global trade tariffs.
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The Canada-Saskatchewan Workforce Tariff Response, announced March 27, will provide funding over the next three years to help approximately 1,800 workers retrain or upgrade their skills. The program specifically targets the steel and softwood lumber sectors, as well as other industries indirectly affected by shifting international trade policies.
Buckley Bélanger, federal secretary of state for rural development, said the investment is designed to ensure no worker is left behind as the global economy changes.
“By investing in retraining and skill development, we are empowering individuals to adapt to the changing economy and ensuring that they can thrive in new opportunities,” Bélanger said in a news release.
The funding will be distributed through Saskatchewan’s existing SaskJobs offices and training partners. The program is designed to assist three specific groups:
- Unemployed workers seeking skills for in-demand occupations.
- Employees currently under federal Work-Sharing agreements.
- Workers within supply chains directly impacted by international market shifts.
Eric Schmalz, Saskatchewan’s minister of immigration and career training, said that while the province has diversified its markets to mitigate trade risks, the partnership offers a proactive safety net.
“Saskatchewan is committed to protecting our economy despite uncertain global conditions,” Schmalz said.
The initiative is funded through Employment Insurance contributions from workers and employers. It joins existing provincial labour market agreements that currently support roughly 32,000 people in Saskatchewan annually.
As of February 2026, Saskatchewan reported an unemployment rate of 5.6 per cent, which remains the lowest among Canadian provinces.
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