Federal, Alberta governments announce new program to help tariff-impacted workers

May 15, 2026 | 12:01 PM

The federal and Alberta governments have announced a new program to help workers who have been impacted by tariffs.

It is called the Canada-Alberta Workforce Tariff Response and, according to a release from the federal government, is meant to “support workers and employers in the steel and softwood lumber sectors, as well as other directly and indirectly tariff-affected sectors.”

The program has $68.5 million in funding over three years.

The governments say this will help 7,800 workers learn new skills so they can move into what the release calls “high demand jobs.”

Training and employment services would come from current providers.

“In a changing global economy, our focus is on what we can control – making sure Albertans have the skills, support and opportunities to succeed. These investments will help workers connect quickly to training and in-demand jobs and ensure Alberta’s workforce remains strong, adaptable and competitive,” says Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Joseph Schow in that same release.

The release also says “Alberta’s economy has remained resilient through the current trade environment, continuing to lead the country in job creation, investment and gross domestic product growth.”

“The province is well-positioned to deliver on national priorities, including major projects, Build Canada Homes and the Defence Industrial Strategy, making investment in Alberta’s workforce today a strategic advantage for the province and the country.” – Minister Schow

by Curtis Galbraith