What is it?
The Workforce Relief Fund helps businesses and organizations across Newfoundland and Labrador retain their workforce and equip employees with new skills in response to direct or indirect impacts of tariffs.
Tariffs can disrupt operations, shift market dynamics, and create new demand for businesses. To remain competitive and resilient, companies may need to invest in wage supports, cross-training, up-skilling, and other skills development supports.
Funding for the WRF Program is provided by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply if you are:
- A private business (even if you’re self-employed)
- Federal Crown corporations
- Provincial and Territorial Crown corporations
- Public health organizations
- Educational institutions
- Indigenous Government or Organization
- City, Town or Local Service District
- An employer group or industry association
- Group that represents more than one business or organization (like a Chamber of Commerce or a labour union)
Employers must:
- Have a Canada Revenue Agency business number.
- Be in good standing with the provincial Registry of Companies and Deeds.
- Have both an office location and operate in Newfoundland and Labrador.
What do you need to Know?
If your business is experiencing challenges because of tariffs (increased costs, or disruption in supply chain; reduced customer demand), this program can help your business adapt by:
- Keeping your workers (wage support).
- Training and upskilling your workers.
- Helping your workers learn new skills required to diversify your business.
The fund can provide up to $250,000 per organization to help cover these costs.
Wage and training support available through the Workforce Relief Fund must have the potential to help workers adapt to changing job requirements and reduce the risk of layoffs.
Important: Activities must be incremental to your business and show how they will help adjust to any direct or indirect impacts due to tariffs.
- Check the Program Guidelines for more details as other criteria may apply.
How to Apply
It’s a good idea to review the Program Guidelines referenced above before submitting your application.
- If you are not already registered with LaMPSS, you must be set up as a government vendor to receive payments. Please start by registering here: Employer Registration.
- After registering, please allow 7-10 business days for processing your LaMPSS registration.
- You will then receive a LaMPSS username and password via email.
- Check your email regularly, including your junk mail. Once you have your login details, you can access the LaMPSS system and complete your application.
Forgotten Password
If you already have an account but forget your password, you can reset it by:
- Clicking on “Forgot Password”
- Entering your Organization ID and User ID
- Submitting the form to receive a new password via email
If you can’t reset your password, please email LaMPSS support at extorghelp@gov.nl.ca or call 1-844-252-6777 during 8:30 – 4:30.
If you have not signed into the system for more than 6 months, contact LaMPSS support and request that they change your password.
Submit Your Application
- Complete and submit your Online Application in LaMPSS.
- On your User homepage, navigate to the “Apply for Funding” and click on Programs and Services.
- Click on the blue Apply button for the desired program.
- Review the Program Guidelines before submitting.
- You can check your application status by logging into LaMPSS.
Note:
- There is currently no deadline to apply however, this is subject to change.
- Applications can be made on continuous intake throughout the year, pending budget availability.
- Incomplete applications will result in delays.
Need more Information?
Email: EmploymentPrograms@gov.nl.ca
Call: 1-800-563-6600