British Columbia is expanding supports for workers and communities affected by U.S. tariffs through two new provincial-federal initiatives targeting job displacement and economic diversification.
The province announced Friday it will broaden the Build Your Own Future program beyond forestry to cover all industries impacted by tariffs imposed under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, according to the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.
The program offers five-day business bootcamps with one-on-one coaching and mentorship to help displaced workers transition into entrepreneurship. Participants who complete the training are eligible for $5,000 grants to cover startup costs, the ministry said.
Funding and delivery details
The expanded Build Your Own Future program receives $2.95 million in funding over three years, delivered by the Northern Innovation Network. The investment supports entrepreneurship training tailored to skilled tradespeople and technicians, according to the province.
“We know that people have been impacted by Trump’s unjust tariffs, so we are taking action to support them,” said Sheila Malcolmson, B.C.’s Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “Whether it’s supporting new career training or helping communities adapt to changing economic conditions, these new projects are about putting people first.”
The curriculum includes finance, marketing, operations and project management training, along with health and safety, customer service, leadership and diversity components, the ministry said. Programs are offered both in-person and online throughout the province.
New rural employment fund launched
B.C. also launched the Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund with $5 million in provincial investment to support communities in northern and remote regions. The Northern Development Initiative Trust will deliver the fund, which targets labour-market studies and business advisory services.
The fund aims to help communities address tariff effects and respond to local employment needs while supporting business diversification, according to the province. Phase 1 launches this fall with two streams: Labour Market Research Plans to help communities plan for economic resilience, and Business Advisory Supports for professional services.
RREIF will support local governments and businesses in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, Prince George, northeastern and northwestern B.C., the ministry said.
Federal partnership details
Both initiatives receive funding through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement as part of broader provincial-federal efforts to support tariff-affected workers, businesses and communities.
“When Canadians face challenges, we face them together,” said Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages. “By strengthening programs like Build Your Own Future and launching the Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund, we’re helping Canadians navigate the impacts of tariffs and seize new opportunities.”
The Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund opens applications Oct. 1, with the Labour Market Research Plans stream accepting local government applications until Nov. 15. The Business Advisory Supports stream offers continuous intake starting Oct. 1, according to the province.
Learn more:
To learn more about the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/training-agreements/lmda.html
For more information about the Northern Innovation Network, visit: https://northerninnovation.ca/
To learn more about Northern Development Initiative Trust, visit: https://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/
To learn more about B.C.’s response to tariffs, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/tariffs
