As Canadian employers navigate the economic impact of tariffs, the federal government introduced changes to the work-sharing program on March 10 to provide businesses with greater flexibility. Speaking with CBC, CTV, Canadian HR Reporter, and The Globe and Mail, Andrew Bratt, leader of Gowling WLG’s Employment, Labour & Equalities Group, discussed how these changes offer businesses more time to plan and adapt; however, he emphasized that the application process remains extremely slow. 

Bratt states the federal government is trying to avoid large-scale layoffs by introducing changes to the work-sharing program. “What happens during times of economic crisis like COVID or now the trade war is consumer confidence is really low to begin with, and that has obviously a negative effect on the economy. If you then pile on layoffs and you now take away people's disposable income and they stop spending money, it just exacerbates the problem,” he said, speaking to Canadian HR Reporter.

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About Gowling WLG’s Employment, Labour & Equalities Group

Gowling WLG’s Employment, Labour & Equalities Group provides strategic legal guidance to employers across industries, helping them navigate complex workplace challenges, regulatory changes, and workforce management strategies. With deep expertise in employment standards, labour relations, and workplace policies, our team supports businesses in making informed, practical decisions that align with their operational goals.