Canada and Nova Scotia Announce $13.8 Million Partnership to Support Workers Facing Tariff Pressures
On May 12, 2026, the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia announced a new partnership to support workers and employers impacted by tariffs and global market shifts. The initiative includes approximately $13.8 million over three years through the Canada–Nova Scotia Workforce Tariff Response to help up to 1,557 workers retrain and reskill in sectors such as steel, softwood lumber, fisheries, and agri-food. Additionally, nearly $4 million was announced for Cherubini Bridges and Structures (Cherubini Metal Works) to modernize operations and increase capacity.
The Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have announced a new partnership agreement aimed at supporting employers, industry, and workers who are being impacted by tariffs and global market shifts. The announcement was made on May 12, 2026, by federal Minister Sean Fraser and provincial Minister Nolan Young.
A central component of this initiative is the Canada–Nova Scotia Workforce Tariff Response, which will invest approximately $13.8 million over three years. This funding is expected to support up to 1,557 workers in Nova Scotia, helping them build new skills and take advantage of emerging opportunities. The targeted sectors for this support include steel, softwood lumber, fisheries and seafood, agri-food, and other export-related industries.
In addition to the workforce training funds, Minister Fraser announced nearly $4 million in funding specifically for Cherubini Bridges and Structures, also known as Cherubini Metal Works. This investment aims to help the company modernize its operations, increase production capacity, improve efficiency, and reach new markets. The funding for Cherubini is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), split between the Regional Tariff Response Initiative ($996,555 non-repayable) and regular programming ($3 million repayable).
The announcement took place at the Cherubini facility in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Officials noted that as of April 2026, Nova Scotia’s unemployment rate stands at 6.3%, reflecting labour market challenges linked to tariff impacts. The partnership aims to reduce barriers so businesses can keep people working or help workers transition to new roles, thereby strengthening community resilience and local economies during periods of economic adjustment.