About the Labour Market Development Agreements program

Information for reference These text copies of bilateral transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and individual provinces and territories are provided for reference and research purposes only. The final signed versions of the agreements are the official versions between the parties.

The Government of Canada understands the importance of helping Canadians get the training they need to find and keep good jobs. Each year, the Government of Canada invests over $2 billion through the Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) with provinces and territories so they can support Canadians with Employment Insurance (EI)-funded skills training and employment assistance. Under the LMDAs, employment benefits enable eligible individuals - including current and former EI claimants as well as individuals who have made minimum EI premium contributions in at least 5 of the last 10 years - to gain skills and work experience with a combination of interventions such as skills training and wage subsidies. LMDAs also support the provision of Employment Assistance Services (EAS) for all Canadians. Budget 2017 announced an additional investment in the LMDAs of $1.8 billion over 6 years, which began in 2017 to 2018. This means an additional $250 million to provinces and territories in the 2019 to 2020 fiscal year to help Canadians prepare for, find, advance in, and keep good jobs. In addition to these investments, the Government broadened eligibility for EI-funded programs and services, allowing even more Canadians, including underrepresented groups such as persons with disabilities, women and Indigenous peoples, to access skills training and employment supports. While Canada provides funding under the LMDAs, provincial and territorial governments have the flexibility to design and deliver employment programs and services best suited to the needs of their local labour markets.

Agreements