The provincial and federal governments are investing over $70 million to support B.C. workers in tariff-impacted industries.

The funds will support over 8,000 B.C. workers in softwood lumber, steel, and other industries dealing with direct or indirect impacts from U.S. tariffs.

“Tariffs and global market pressures have created real uncertainty for workers in key resource sectors across British Columbia,” said Tim Hodgson, the minister of energy and natural resources, in a release.

“Our government is committed to ensuring that the people who power Canada’s natural resource economy have the support they need to adapt and succeed. This investment will help workers build new skills, will strengthen local industries and will ensure that communities remain resilient as global conditions continue to evolve.”

WorkBC will deliver retraining or employment assistance to tariff-affected workers, including to people who are unemployed and want new skills for in-demand jobs; workers whose employers are in work-sharing agreements (a program that helps companies avoid layoffs when there’s a short-term drop in business), and employed workers who want new skills to stay in companies affected by tariffs or who live in communities that heavily rely on those companies.

“Canada’s workforce is strongest when employers and training partners work together. As global trade evolves, no worker will be left behind,” said Patty Hajdu, the minister of jobs and families and minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, in a release.

She said that this “means providing the tools and training workers need to secure good jobs, continue building strong communities, and ensure Canada remains resilient in the face of global challenges.”

This program is funded through employment insurance contributions from workers and employers.

A recent survey from the Business Improvement Areas of British Columbia (BIABC) suggested that nearly half of B.C. businesses are “dissatisfied” with how the provincial government is responding to tariffs and a lack of clear direction from the government.

It found that 85 per cent of its respondents employ less than 10 people, meaning they aren’t eligible for federal tariff-response programs. It also makes it much more challenging for them to apply for support programs.

In January 2025, B.C.’s unemployment rate was at 6.1 per cent.