Fighting Tariffs And Avoiding Layoffs: Special Measures For EI Work-Sharing Program

Bottom Line

In response to the to the "threat or potential realization" of U.S. tariffs and the expected impact on Canadian businesses, the Government of Canada has implemented new special measures for the Employment Insurance (EI) Work-Sharing Program (the "Work-Sharing Program"). The Work-Sharing Program helps employers and employees avoid layoffs and provides income support to affected employees when their employer faces a decline in business for reasons beyond their control.

These special measures, announced on March 7, 2025, expanded employer and employee eligibility and the overall scope of the Work-Sharing Program for businesses affected by the U.S. tariffs ("U.S. Tariffs Special Measures"). The U.S. Tariffs Special Measures are in effect from March 7, 2025 to March 6, 2026.