CANADA NEWS RELEASE: The Government of Canada is Launching a Call for Proposals Under the Sectoral Workforce Innovation Fund to Support Workforce Projects Across Key Sectors

August 28, 2026

Employment and Social Development Canada

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario announced the new Sectoral Workforce Innovation Fund (SWIF), which will support projects that respond to pressing skilled labour shortages across Canada’s priority sectors.

Projects funded through the SWIF could include faster training approaches, micro-credentials, skills assessments, targeted certification programs and other creative solutions. These projects will help Canadian workers prepare for in-demand occupations while helping employers address ongoing skilled labour shortages.

Today’s investment reinforces the Government’s commitment to ensuring Canada has the skilled workforce needed to deliver major projects and advance economic growth. The SWIF complements other Government of Canada workforce initiatives, including the new Workforce Alliances. It supports immediate investments that strengthen priority sectors and help build a more competitive and resilient workforce.

Starting today, Organisations can now apply for funding through the SWIF. Organizations interested are encouraged to visit Canada.ca for information on eligibility requirements and the application process.

Quick facts

• This announcement builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthening Canada’s long-term economic resilience, supporting nation-building projects and creating high-paying careers for generations to come. The SWIF is among the Government of Canada’s key workforce development initiatives aimed at helping to better prepare Canada’s workforce for the future.
• The SWIF could support projects that help workers transition into growing sectors such as electric vehicle and battery production, electricity and energy infrastructure, shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing or critical minerals. The Fund uses a co-investment model, with employers and other partners contributing alongside the Government of Canada to maximize impact and help ensure the long-term sustainability of workforce development investments.
• Statistics Canada reported that recruiting skilled employees is expected to remain a major challenge for Canadian businesses, particularly in sectors such as construction and manufacturing.  More than one-quarter (26.9%) of businesses expected recruiting skilled employees to be an obstacle over a three-month period, including 49.5% of construction businesses and 47.4% of manufacturing businesses.

Additional Resources

• SWIF webpage
• Major Projects Office – Canada.ca
• Prime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries | Prime Minister of Canada
• Workforce Alliances

Contacts

Jennifer Kozelj
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
jennifer.kozelj@labour-travail.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559