Provincial Government Funding Supports Women, Employers and Workforce Development

  • Jobs, Growth and Rural Development 
  • Office of Women and Gender Equality

November 4, 2026

The Provincial Government is investing approximately $1.04 million in Women in Resource Development Inc., operating as Equiforce, through the Employment Assistance Services program to advance workforce development and help meet evolving labour market needs across Newfoundland and Labrador.

This investment will support a coordinated workforce development strategy that addresses the needs of both job seekers and employers and aligns with the Provincial Government’s commitment to fostering innovation, strengthening workforce development and maximizing labour force participation.

Through its Career Services and Employer Services streams, Equiforce will help women prepare for employment in high-demand sectors, including energy, construction and other growth industries, while providing employers with the tools and resources needed to build a skilled and diverse workforce.

Initiatives such as FastTrackHER, career planning supports and employment readiness services will help women overcome barriers to employment and connect with meaningful career opportunities. Employers will benefit from workforce planning resources, labour market research, training and inclusion-focused supports to strengthen recruitment, retention and workforce development, contributing to a more resilient and inclusive labour market throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Supporting initiatives like Equiforce helps create pathways to employment, promote inclusive workplaces and address workforce needs in key sectors. By connecting job seekers with opportunities and supporting employers in building a skilled and diverse workforce, these investments contribute to a stronger economy and long-term prosperity throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“Women play a critical role in Newfoundland and Labrador’s workforce and economy. Through this investment, Equiforce will continue to help women access opportunities in high-demand industries while providing employers with the tools and resources needed to build strong, diverse and inclusive workplaces.”
Honourable Lin Paddock
Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development

“Women throughout Newfoundland and Labrador deserve every opportunity to build meaningful careers and contribute their skills to our growing economy. This investment in Equiforce will help more women access training, career planning and employment supports, that open doors to opportunities in high-demand sectors, such as energy, construction and other growth industries. By supporting women in overcoming barriers to employment and helping employers build diverse and inclusive workplaces, we are strengthening our workforce, addressing labour market needs and creating a more prosperous future for communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Lela Evans
Minister of Women and Gender Equality

“Newfoundland and Labrador’s ability to turn economic opportunity into growth depends on its workforce. Meeting industry demand requires us to expand labour force participation and strengthen how employers attract, retain and develop talent. Equiforce works on both sides of that equation. This investment puts women’s economic participation where it belongs: at the centre of our province’s workforce and economic development strategy.”
Abbie Hodder
CEO, Equiforce

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2026 11 04 10:00 am