Canada Extends Work‑Sharing Temporary Flexibilities to Help Employers Avoid Layoffs

Key Point  

• Canada extended temporary Work‑Sharing flexibilities to support employers and workers facing reduced business activity. 

Canada Work-Sharing Program 

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) announced that temporary Work-Sharing (WS) measures will remain in place. These measures were first introduced during the pandemic and have been maintained since.  

These flexibilities make it easier for employers to access the program during downturns outside their control. 

About the Work-Sharing Program  

The WS program is available to eligible employees regardless of citizenship, meaning both Canadian citizens and foreign national workers can participate if they meet the program’s eligibility requirements. 

The WS Program allows employers to reduce employees’ hours while avoiding layoffs, with Employment Insurance (EI) providing partial income support to affected workers. 

Extended Flexibilities Include: 

• Longer agreements: Extended WS agreements beyond the standard duration 
• Simplified eligibility: Reduced documentation requirements for employers 
• Broader access: Expanded criteria for businesses facing unexpected slowdowns 
• Faster processing: Streamlined review to help employers respond quickly to changing conditions 

Looking Ahead 

Employers experiencing temporary reductions in business activity may continue to use the Work‑Sharing Program to maintain their workforce, reduce layoffs and support long‑term recovery. 

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