Federal government provides more than $3.8 million for program to assist workers affected by tariffs in Prescott-Russell

The Prescott-Russell Community Development Corporation (PRCDC) has launched the Impact 360 and Fresh Start projects, an initiative in partnership with the Prescott-Russell Employment Services Center (CSEPR) and KB Media. Funded through the Government of Canada’s Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative (CROI), this initiative of $3,881, 643 is aimed at supporting workers affected by recent transformations in the labour market due to tariffs and economic changes and which will help strengthen the economic resilience of the region.

“The workers of Prescott–Russell–Cumberland are resilient, hardworking, and determined. When economic changes and tariffs create uncertainty, it is essential that we rally to support workers and families through this transition,” said Prescott-Russell-Cumberland Member of Parliament Giovanna Mingarelli.

Over the next 24 months, the PRCDC in partnership with the CSEPR will implement a coordinated response to layoffs of employees affected by the tariffs.

“We must ensure that these employees receive the support, resources and opportunities necessary to bounce back and regain their place in the job market,” said PRCDC Chair Patrick Brousseau.

The joint project aims to support the requalification, return to employment and professional transition of workers affected by customs tariffs and economic changes; Provide training and individual support for the reclassification of laid-off employees, through a sub-agreement with the Prescott-Russell Employment Services Center CSEPR; Offer a structured entrepreneurial training course allowing participants to develop and launch a business; Strengthen the economic resilience of Prescott-Russell by diversifying sources of employment and stimulating local entrepreneurship, and; Support local businesses in their recruitment and qualified labor needs.

“This collaboration between the PRCDC and the CSEPR demonstrates that we can create concrete solutions that support the vitality of our communities, thanks to each of our expertise,” said CSEPR Chair Carl Portelance.