Federal budget: Protecting jobs with timely access to work-sharing programs

Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Photo: Tetyana Kovyrina/Pexels
Source: Government of Canada

Editor’s note: The following text is taken from the 2023 federal budget.

When businesses struggle, it can be difficult for them to keep staff on payroll.

The Work-Sharing Program helps avoid layoffs during temporary decreases in business activity by providing income support through the Employment Insurance program to eligible employees who work a reduced week while their employer recovers.

This means that employees can keep their jobs and continue earning income, while their employer retains skilled workers without having to hire someone new when business picks up.

Budget 2023 proposes to provide $5.4 million over three years, starting in 2023‑24, to Employment and Social Development Canada to ensure that the Work-Sharing Program continues to provide timely support to Canadian workers and businesses.

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