The federal government is providing almost $4 million to the Prescott and Russell region to help people whose jobs are affected by American President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
The Prescott and Russell Community Development Corporation (PRCDC) issued a press release August 7 to announced the launch of the Impact 360 and Fresh Start programs. This is a partnership project between the PRCDC, the Prescott and Russell Employment Services Centre (PRESC), and KB Media, with the aid of $3,881,643 in federal support funding through the Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative.
The focus of the project and its programs is to support local workers affected by recent changes in the labour market that have resulted from President Donald Trump’s various tariffs, both current and threatened, on Canadian imports to the U.S. and also the global economic changes that have also resulted from Trump’s tariffs and other actions, including the war with Iran. The project goal is to “help strengthen the economic resilience of the region” through retraining programs for local workers to either help them keep their current jobs or prepare them for seeking new employment.
“This initiative will support workers and communities as they navigate economic shifts,” stated Patty Hajdu, minister of jobs and families and minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FEDDEV North Ontario). “By investing in skills development, individualized support and entrepreneurship programs, we are helping workers transition to new and meaningful opportunities.”
During the next 24 months the PRCDC and PRESC will develop and put into place a coordinated response to the large number of layoffs that have resulted in the Prescott-Russell region resulting from the Trump tariffs. The project goals are: support requalification, return to employment, and professional transition of workers affected by the tariffs; provide training and individual support for laid-off workers as they develop new skills to help them find new jobs; provide entrepreneurial training for laid-off workers who want to start their own business; strengthen Prescott and Russell’s economic resilience by promoting more diversified employment opportunities and helping stimulate new business development; help local businesses with their employee recruitment needs.
“The workers of Prescott-Russell-Cumberland are resilient, hardworking, and determined,” stated MP Giovanna Mingarelli. “When economic changes and tariffs create uncertainty, it is essential that we rally to support workers and families through this transition. The Impact 360 and Fresh Start projects will provide workers with concrete tools, training, and opportunities to acquire new skills, embark on a new career, or start a business.”
“This partnership between the Government of Canada, the PRCDC, and the local entrepreneurial community demonstrates our shared commitment to ensure that residents and businesses have the tools they need to adapt, grow, and succeed in an evolving economic landscape,” stated Warden Mario Zanth of the United Counties of Prescott-Russell. “By investing in our workforce, we are investing in the long-term resilience and competitiveness of our communities.”
“In times of economic uncertainty, our collective responsibility is to support workers affected by the consequences of tariffs,” stated Patrick Brousseau, PRCDC chair. “Behind every lost job is a family, a life project, and a valuable contribution to our economy. We must ensure that these employees receive the support, resources, and opportunities necessary to bounce back and regain their placew in the job market.”
“This initiative demonstrates the importance of investing in the development and adaptation of our workforce to respond to economic realities in this uncertain economic context,” stated Carl Portelance, PRESC chair.
