EI Work-Sharing Program

In plain language

Not a cash grant — an EI-based mechanism that lets employers cut hours across a "work-sharing unit" instead of laying people off, with EI topping up lost wages. Normally a year-round Canadian employer with 2+ years of operation is required; special measures through March 31, 2027 relax this to 1 year for tariff-impacted businesses and open the new Worker Retention Grant. Minimum 2 eligible employees sharing work. Agreements run 6–26 weeks (extendable to 38+ under special measures). Zero direct cash to the employer — value is avoided severance and retained workforce. File 30 days before desired start. Valuable in downturns; irrelevant when business is growing.

Who qualifies

What you'll have to report

Weekly utilization reports per worker; updated work-sharing unit roster; biweekly activity attestations; final agreement wrap-up report.