Tariff response

Nova Scotia's response to international tariffs.

Nova Scotia is working with the Government of Canada to support workers and businesses affected by international tariffs. Programs and services are available to help businesses adapt, explore new markets and support workers through training and employment services.

Nova Scotia is also working with provinces, territories and the federal government to prepare for upcoming trade discussions, including the review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

CUSMA supports jobs, trade and economic security across North America, and Nova Scotia is committed to working with partners to support continued growth and stability across the region.

Support for businesses

Programs and services are available to help Nova Scotia businesses adapt to changing trade conditions, strengthen their workforce and explore new markets.

Reach new markets

Programs, services and resources through Invest Nova Scotia to help companies expand into new markets outside Nova Scotia.

Best for: businesses needing to identify and enter new markets, optimize their supply chain and connect with potential partners and customers in Canada and globally.

Learn more through Invest Nova Scotia’s Reach New Markets webpage.

Nova Scotia Loyal

The Nova Scotia Loyal program is designed to make it easier for Nova Scotians to identify, purchase and support local products.

Best for: local business owners who want to connect their product or business to a community of consumers who want to support local, and Nova Scotians who want to support local businesses.

Learn more at the Nova Scotia Loyal website.

Workforce tariff response program

The Workforce Tariff Response Fund is a time-limited investment (fiscal years 2025-2026 to 2027-2028, with reporting extending to 2029-2030) provided by Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada.

This funding was announced by Prime Minister Carney in September 2025 to support employers and workers who have been directly or indirectly affected by tariffs or global shifts, through a contribution to costs of Nova Scotia benefits and support measures for workers and employers in the steel sector, softwood lumber sector and other workers and employers directly and indirectly affected by tariffs and global market shifts.

About the program

The funding will help employers and workers who have been directly or indirectly affected by tariffs or global market shifts in steel, softwood lumber and others including fisheries and seafood, agri-food, manufacturing and automotive (tires). Other sectors or industries may also be eligible where employers or workers can demonstrate direct or indirect impacts of tariffs or global market shifts, including impacts within their supply chains.

Support is delivered through this funding program and focuses on training (retraining, reskilling, upskilling) so organizations and businesses can keep people working or help workers move into new roles in the same company.

It is best suited for tariff-impacted businesses and organizations looking to train workers in eligible sectors.

How to apply

Review the Workforce Tariff Response Program Guidelines (PDF).
Visit LaMPSS Support for information about how to register (new users) with Labour Market Programs Support System (LaMPSS) and for guides to navigate the system.
Submit an application through LaMPSS and attach a completed Itemized Budget Breakdown (IBB) (XLSX).
The program will assess your LaMPSS application and IBB and will let you know if your project will receive funding.

Contact

All questions, concerns or inquiries related to the program, application process or the guidelines should be directed to: TariffResponse@novascotia.ca.

Support for workers

Programs and services are available to help workers build new skills, connect with employment opportunities and adapt to changing labour market needs.

Skills development

Supports unemployed Nova Scotians to gain new skills – ranging from basic to advanced – to find work in today’s labour market. Training is full-time and delivered by approved public or private training providers.

Best for: unemployed individuals in tariff-impacted industries who need new occupational skills to return to work.

Learn more at the Skills Development Program page.

START program

Helps connect unemployed Nova Scotians with employers. Provides wage incentives to employers and a START letter for eligible jobseekers to help them market their skills.

Best for: unemployed individuals in tariff-impacted industries who need work experience.

Learn more at the START Program: Hiring Incentive page.

Tariff response hotline

Government is here to help Nova Scotia businesses and individuals impacted by tariffs.

If you have questions or would like support, contact business navigators by calling the toll-free tariff hotline at 1-800-670-4357.