Manitoba programs aim to support tariff-hit businesses and create youth employment opportunities

Manitoba businesses facing tariff-related challenges and young people looking to gain work experience could benefit from two new provincial programs offering millions of dollars in wage subsidies.

The Business Council of Manitoba (BCM) introduced its Youth Experience Program (YEP) and Tariff Workforce Stabilization Program (TWSP) at the Winnipeg Career Fair and Training Expo on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the RBC Convention Centre.

Funded by the Manitoba government and administered by the Business Council of Manitoba, the two programs are designed to address different workforce challenges, including helping businesses retain employees amid tariff-related economic pressures and creating paid employment opportunities for youth.

"It's a two-stream program in one, basically," said Babatunde Adewole, BCM's Marketing and Program Manager for the programs. "One is employer-based and one is youth-focused."

The Tariff Workforce Stabilization Program provides temporary wage subsidies to eligible businesses whose employees are at risk of layoffs, reduced hours or job losses because of tariff-related impacts.

Eligible employers can receive subsidies covering up to 50 per cent of wages, to a maximum of $10,000 per employee over 24 weeks.

Adewole said the program is intended to provide additional support to businesses that have already explored other available assistance.

Employers must have accessed applicable federal government programs before qualifying for the provincial support.

With tariffs putting pressure on businesses and increasing operating costs, Adewole said the funding could help employers avoid making difficult staffing decisions.

The second stream, the Youth Experience Program, focuses on helping young Manitobans aged 15 to 29 gain practical work experience while giving employers financial support to bring new workers onto their teams.

Through the program, eligible employers can receive a wage subsidy covering up to 50 per cent of eligible wages, to a maximum of $5,000 per youth over a 12-week placement.

The program is intended to benefit young people entering the workforce, recent college graduates, those in part-time or precarious employment, and individuals looking to change their career paths.

Rather than applying directly for a specific job, youth can register in the program's talent pool, where they will be matched with potential employers based on their profiles, experience and interests.

"We are encouraging youth as well to register with us and join the talent pool and get matched with a potential employer that fits their lifestyle or their experience," Adewole said.

The two programs are part of a $16-million initiative funded by the Manitoba government and initially established for a two-year period.

Adewole said the Business Council of Manitoba hopes to make the programs available to as many eligible businesses and young people across the province as possible.

While the programs were introduced at the Winnipeg career fair, the council plans to continue promoting them at career fairs, graduation events and other gatherings, including in northern Manitoba.

Adewole, who is based between Winnipeg and Thompson as part of his new role, said reaching young people in northern communities is also an important part of the initiative.

"We are just trying to get the youth involved, because this is basically what we're trying to do up north as well," he said.

Employers and youth can check eligibility and access application information through the Business Council of Manitoba's website.

Copyright 2026, Winnipeg Sun. All rights reserved.

Steven Sukkau, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Sun.