Employer support and partnerships in Newfoundland and Labrador offer various government and non-profit programs to help businesses recruit staff, enhance workplace accessibility, and navigate HR challenges. Key supports include wage subsidies, newcomer integration assistance, and disability confidence training. Delivered through provincial government and community partners, these initiatives help local businesses reduce hiring risks, upskill workers, and foster inclusive, sustainable workplaces.
Key Employer Support & Partnership Initiatives
Government Resources
- Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ): Canada Summer Jobs provides wage subsidies to help the organization hire motivated youth, reduce staffing costs, and build young people’s skills. It strengthens your team with fresh talent, empowers the next generation, and supports your community.
- Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers: The grant is designed to enable employers with an approved and implemented Work-Sharing agreement who commit to fostering training opportunities to provide additional income support to their Employment Insurance (EI) eligible employees who are working reduced hours and are on training. This Grant helps maintain employees’ income by keeping their earnings closer to their normal wages throughout the duration of the Work-Sharing agreement.
- Employer Contact Centre: Use the Government of Canada Employer Contact Centre for inquiries about payroll, Records of Employment (ROEs), and government grants.
- Wage Subsidies: The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador provides funding to offset salary costs, helping businesses create new sustainable or seasonal positions.
- Labour Market Partnerships: The program provides funding to help employers, associations, and communities address labour challenges and meet workforce needs. Eligible activities include human resource planning and labour force adjustments. There is no application deadline; however, priority is given to sectors identified by the Department, and funding depends on budget availability.
- Job Matching & Student Hiring: The province provides free services to help identify and recruit job seekers whose skills align with your business needs, including targeted student hiring programs. Explore available grants and register your business via the Labour Market Programs Support System (LaMPSS).
Newcomer & Immigrant Integration
· Amal Unite and Empower (AUE): Offers a Connector Program to match employers with pre-screened, job-ready newcomer talent. They support the full employment lifecycle, from onboarding to workplace integration.
· Association for New Canadians (ANC): The ANC Employment Services division directly assists employers navigating labour shortages by linking them with skilled immigrants.
Accessibility & Inclusive Workplaces
· InclusionNL: Operated by Empower, The Disability Resource Centre, InclusionNL: Employer Support Services partners with businesses to promote disability confidence, workplace accessibility, and inclusive hiring practices.
· Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE): CASE helps employers build diverse, inclusive workplaces through resources, training, and national initiatives like MentorAbility, HR Inclusive Policy Toolkit, Online Training. It connects businesses with local experts who provide personalized workplace supports at no cost
Ecosystem Directories & Local Collaboration
· WorkSupportNL: The WorkSupportNL directory is a comprehensive hub mapping over 500 organizations, programs, and services designed to help employers meet workforce development needs across the province.
· Community Employment Collaboration: The CEC based in St. John’s. connects local employers with community agencies and Career Development Practitioners to facilitate employee placement.
Employment Centres
- 19 government-run Employment Centres located throughout the province connect job seekers with employers and provide resources to navigate the local labour market.
- Non-profit organizations such as Employment Options Emploi also operate centers across the province (e.g., in St. John’s, Corner Brook, and Grand Falls-Windsor).
Industry Associations
- Sector-specific associations. Sector-specific associations in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) represent diverse industries, providing advocacy, networking, and support for local businesses and professionals. Key organizations serving the province include groups for energy, technology, tourism, and more.
- Local Chamber of Commences. Across Newfoundland and Labrador, local chambers of commerce and boards of trade form a network of member-driven organizations that champion business interests at municipal, provincial, and federal levels. These organizations serve as essential connectors, helping employers navigate workforce challenges through networking events, advocacy, and practical support. The network includes over 20 chambers and boards representing thousands of businesses.