Employment & Social Development Canada

Canada–Quebec $122.5M Agreement to Support Tariff-Impacted Workers

The governments of Canada and Quebec announced a $122.5 million joint agreement over three years to support workers and businesses impacted by global tariffs. The Canada-Quebec Workforce Tariff Response agreement will provide skills development and employment services through Quebec's public employment services network. Funding targets workers in softwood lumber, steel, and other directly and indirectly tariff-affected industries during a period of economic adjustment.

Canadian Labour Ministers Meet in Quebec City to Advance Labour Mobility and Workplace Safety

Federal, provincial and territorial labour ministers met in Quebec City on April 10, 2026, to advance labour mobility and harmonize occupational health and safety training across Canadian jurisdictions. Ministers endorsed an accelerated workplan for OHS training curriculum harmonization, including Working at Heights and Mobile Elevating Work Platforms training by January 1, 2027. Officials were directed to develop an interjurisdictional training approach by fall 2026 and a working group will address worker misclassification in the trucking industry.

Federal Minimum Wage Increases to $18.15 on April 1, 2026

The Government of Canada has announced that the federal minimum wage will increase to $18.15 per hour effective April 1, 2026. This represents a 2.1% increase indexed to Canada's Consumer Price Index for 2025, and a cumulative 21% increase since the standalone federal minimum wage was introduced in 2021. Federally regulated private sector employers are required to adjust payrolls to ensure compliance with the new rate.

Canada Creates 175,000 Youth Jobs and Skills-Building Opportunities

The Government of Canada announced 175,000 jobs and skills-building opportunities for Canadian youth in 2026. The initiative includes 100,000 Canada Summer Jobs postings, 55,000 work-integrated learning placements through the Student Work Placement Program, and over 20,000 opportunities under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. The government also maintains increased Canada Student Grants and expanded loan forgiveness for rural healthcare professionals.

Chris Roberts Named Acting Commissioner for Workers

ESDC announced Chris Roberts as Acting Commissioner for Workers for the Canada Employment Insurance Commission (CEIC), effective April 13, 2026, for an 18-month term. Roberts previously served as National Director of the Social and Economic Policy Department at the Canadian Labour Congress and succeeds Pierre Laliberté, who retired after nearly a decade of service. The CEIC administers the Employment Insurance program under the Employment Insurance Act.