The Province of New Brunswick and the federal government have announced a deal to support workers affected by tariffs.
“United States tariffs continue to pose a risk to key Canadian sectors,” said Post-Secondary Education and Training Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours.
“New Brunswick is highly exposed, with more than 90 per cent of international exports destined for the U.S., particularly in forestry, manufacturing, refined petroleum and seafood.”
The three-year, $13.7 million agreement will be put in place through existing, new or enhanced mechanisms to deliver direct benefits to workers.
The program will give support to workers in the affected sectors to help them adapt, retrain and succeed.
“Canada’s workforce is strongest when employers and training partners work together,” federal Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu said in a statement.
Through the program, government will directly co-ordinate with affected businesses.
Forest NB, a not-for-profit industry association representing the province’s forest sector, welcomed the agreement.
“New Brunswick’s forest sector is highly exposed to global trade pressures,” executive director Kim Allen said in a statement.
“The impacts are felt not only by companies, but by workers, families and communities across the province.”
Allen said investing in upskilling and retraining directly with employers will help protect jobs now and strengthen the skilled workforce the forest sector needs.
