If global tariffs impact your job in New Brunswick, new financial support is available. The federal and provincial governments announced a $13.7 million fund to help workers deal with ongoing trade pressures.

According to a recent report from CTV News, this funding comes through a three year agreement designed to retrain and upskill employees.

Protecting Local Jobs

United States tariffs create significant risks for key sectors in our province. New Brunswick sends more than 90 per cent of its international exports to the US. This heavy reliance leaves industries like forestry, manufacturing, refined petroleum and seafood highly exposed to trade disputes. For workers in Saint John and surrounding areas, these industries provide steady employment.

Provincial minister of post secondary education and training Jean Claude D’Amours highlighted the vulnerability of the region.

“United States tariffs continue to pose a risk to key Canadian sectors,” D’Amours said. “New Brunswick is highly exposed, with more than 90 per cent of international exports destined for the U.S., particularly in forestry, manufacturing, refined petroleum and seafood.”

The new agreement focuses on protecting your livelihood. The province will use the funds to help workers improve their skills or retrain for new roles entirely.

Industry Reaction

The forestry sector experiences these global trade pressures daily. The impacts affect the companies directly involved, along with workers, families and communities across New Brunswick.

Kim Allen serves as the executive director of Forest NB. She explained that investing in upskilling and retraining secures the workforce.

“New Brunswick’s forest sector is highly exposed to global trade pressures, and the impacts are felt not only by companies, but by workers, families and communities across the province,” Allen said. “By investing in upskilling and retraining in direct collaboration with employers, government is helping to protect jobs today while strengthening the skilled workforce our sector needs now and into the future.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for this new funding?

Workers in New Brunswick who are directly or indirectly affected by global tariffs qualify for this support.

What will the $13.7 million be used for?

The government will use the funds for a three year program focused on retraining workers and improving their skills to protect local jobs.

Why is New Brunswick vulnerable to tariffs?

The province exports more than 90 per cent of its international goods to the United States. Industries like forestry, refined petroleum, manufacturing and seafood rely heavily on this cross border trade.