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Introducing the Workforce Retention and Retraining Program
The Workforce Retention and Retraining Program combines the Work-Sharing Program and the Retraining Grant (formerly the Worker Retention Grant) to help employers retain and retrain workers.
Special measures are extended to March 31, 2028, with expanded eligibility and program flexibilities. For more information visit Canada Strong: Government support programs for workers and businesses.
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Important tip to help you complete your application
The Department recommends that you have a copy of the Prepare to Apply section available (either in print or virtual format) while you’re completing the application to ensure you include all the required information for each question.
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You can apply from October 16, 2026 to December 31, 2027, at 3pm EST.
Use the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) account to apply. If you don't have a GCOS account, you can register now.
- After completing the Workforce Retention and Retraining Program - Work-Sharing application component, you can now immediately continue to submit your Workforce Retention and Retraining Program - Retraining Grant application component
- After your application is submitted, you'll need to finalize your GCOS account information as soon as possible to ensure you're fully registered and benefit from all the advantages
- To fully complete the Workforce Retention and Retraining Program - Retraining Grant application component, you'll be asked to upload the Grant calculator into the GCOS application
Note: The questions in the online form aren't numbered, but they're in the same order as the questions in the Prepare to apply section
If you're unable to apply through the GCOS, please contact edsc.dgop.dmpj.pmermo-wrrp.wdy.pob.esdc@servicecanada.gc.ca.
In your email, be sure to clearly explain why you're unable to apply through GCOS. You must do so by December, 31 2027, 12:00 pm EST.
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About the Grants and Contributions Online Service (GCOS)
The Grants and Contributions Online Services is a secure online platform where users can apply for funding from to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Once you create your account it allows users to:
- securely submit your application for the Workforce Retention and Retraining Program - Retraining Grant and other available funding programs
- save your application and finish it later
- track the status of your application
- sign agreements, manage active projects and send documents
- set-up direct deposit
- access your account 24 hours a day and 7 days a week if your application is approved for funding
- review past projects submitted through your GCOS account
Please ensure that the system has generated a tracking number for your application. If you don't see one on the screen, the application wasn't successfully submitted.
Confirmation of receipt
When you submit your application through GCOS, you’ll immediately receive an acknowledgment receipt by email, which includes a tracking number.
Funding decisions
ESDC expects to make funding decisions within 45 days of receipt of a complete application. This timeline may be extended if you haven't implemented your Workforce Retention and Retraining Program - Work-Sharing agreement at the time you apply for the Workforce Retention and Retraining Program - Retraining Grant. Costs incurred before a funding agreement is signed by your organization and the Department may not be reimbursed and the project may no longer be eligible for funding.
Please note that decisions are final and there is no appeal process.