| Coal Community Transition Fund | Municipalities and First Nations affected by the coal phaseout | Provides funding for economic development and diversification initiatives. Approximately $5 million is allocated, and 12 projects have been approved before the fund was exhausted. | Uncertainty in local strategic planning; even when new investments are made, differences in occupational suitability may hinder transitions from high-emission industries. The funding level is also considered relatively low. |
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| Coal Workforce Transition Program: Bridge to Re-employment | Displaced coal workers | Offers income support for up to 45 weeks by supplementing Employment Insurance benefits to 75% of previous earnings, aiding in re-employment. | Insufficient compensation for wage gaps after transition; support is limited only to permanent employees. |
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| Coal Workforce Transition Program: Bridge to Retirement | Workers aged 53 and older | Provides income support for up to 72 weeks, or until pension income surpasses benefits, maintaining 75% of prior earnings. | Inadequate support in terms of pension benefits and assistance for dependents, leading to challenges in long-term financial stability. |
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| Coal Workforce Transition Program: Relocation Assistance | Workers relocating for a confirmed full-time job (more than 40 km) | Reimburses moving expenses up to $5,000 to help workers relocate for new opportunities. | For workers with strong local ties or older demographics, a cash benefit alone may not offer sufficient incentive, and may not fully mitigate long-term living risks. |
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| Coal Workforce Transition Program: Tuition Voucher | Workers undergoing retraining | Provides vouchers of up to $12,000 for education and training at eligible publicly funded institutions to facilitate career transition. | Success hinges on aligning training with industries that suit transitioning workers’ skills, and ensuring high investment efficiency. |
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