The federal and Nunavut governments will provide more than $1.5 million over three years to help workers in Nunavut affected by global tariffs access training and employment supports in the marine sector.
The funding will flow through the Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium (NFMTC), which will deliver the supports locally. Workers who complete the Bridge Watch Training course will be qualified for jobs on marine vessels operating in international waters.
“This funding through The Canada Nunavut Workforce Tariff Response is a meaningful investment into Nunavummiut. Bridgewatch training opens direct pathways into Nunavut’s most vital industries — fishing, sealift, cruise vessels, and mining support,” said Daniel Martin, executive director of the Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium. “These aren’t just jobs; they are careers that keep our territory moving and our communities strong. When Nunavummiut are trained and working on the water, that is self-determination in action. NFMTC is proud to partner with Career Development to continue to deliver this training in Nunavut to Nunavummiut.”
The money comes from a partnership agreement under the new Canada-Nunavut Workforce Tariff Response, announced May 21 in Iqaluit.
Who qualifies for the supports
The agreement targets three groups of workers:
- Unemployed workers: Those seeking new skills for in-demand jobs.
- Work-Sharing participants: Workers whose employers are in Work-Sharing Agreements and need to upskill or retrain as industries adapt.
- Employed workers: Those seeking new skills to improve resiliency at companies directly affected by tariffs and global market shifts, including workers in single-industry communities.
“Canada’s workforce is strongest when employers and training partners work together. As global trade evolves, no worker will be left behind,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. “Through the Workforce Tariff Response, that means providing the tools and training workers need to secure good jobs, continue building strong communities, and ensure Canada remains resilient in the face of global challenges.”
The announcement was made by Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, on behalf of Hajdu. Joly was joined by Gwen Healey Akearok, Nunavut’s Minister of Family Services.
A response to trade pressure
The federal government says the agreement is part of a broader effort to help workers in industries hit by tariffs and trade disruptions.
“At a time of rising tariffs and trade uncertainty, our government is acting to protect jobs and workers. This partnership with Nunavut is about supporting Nunavummiut by providing real tools and training so workers can succeed in the economy of tomorrow,” said Joly. “Together, we are building resilience, opening doors in Canada’s marine sector, and positioning our communities to adapt and grow in a rapidly changing world.”
Nunavut’s unemployment rate sat at 12 per cent as of April 2026, which the federal government links in part to tariff impacts.
The training and employment services are funded through Employment Insurance contributions paid by workers and employers. The federal government also invests more than $6 million each year in Nunavut through labour market development agreements and workforce development agreements.
“Inuit foundational laws and values teach us that we are stronger when we work together to plan and prepare for our future. Through the Ikajuqtigiikta mandate, we are committed to building partnerships that support Nunavummiut to pursue meaningful careers and strengthen opportunities for training in our communities,” said Healey Akearok, Nunavut’s Minister of Family Services. “This initiative equips our workers with the tools and training they need to adapt to global economic shifts, uplifting families and ensuring that communities continue to thrive.”
Links to national priorities
The federal government says the agreement will also prepare workers for jobs tied to national initiatives, including Major Projects, Build Canada Homes and the Defence Industrial Strategy.
“By helping workers in vulnerable and tariff-impacted industries with targeted training and employment supports, the government’s workforce tariff response helps keep Canada’s workforce strong,” said Lori Idlout, Member of Parliament for Nunavut. “In Nunavut, this means working with the Government of Nunavut to ensure continued supports for Nunavummiut in the marine and fisheries sectors impacted by tariffs and trade disruptions.”
The Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium is a non-profit that has worked for more than 20 years to increase Nunavummiut representation in the fishing and marine industries. Fishing is Nunavut’s largest renewable resource sector, and sealift carries softwood products, steel and other goods to every community in the territory.
