Labour groups welcome federal spending commitments on skilled trades
The plan adds apprenticeship aid and employer incentives as Ottawa seeks 80,000 to 100,000 new certified trades workers over five years.
- On Tuesday, the federal government announced a $6 billion investment over five years to recruit up to 100,000 new skilled trades workers, addressing a persistent national labour shortage.
- Financial incentives include a $400 weekly income top-up for apprentices during technical training, a $5,000 bonus for Red Seal certification, and an increased labour mobility tax deduction rising from $4,000 to $10,000.
- Labour groups, including the Carpenters Union, welcomed the funding as a "generational investment." Executive director Logan Kane noted the assistance will help promote trades to youth, addressing decades of neglect.
- Brandon MacKinnon, business manager at LiUNA Local 1059, emphasized the need for "brick and mortar" facilities to train workers, citing major projects like the Volkswagen plant requiring significant capacity.
- The "Team Canada Strong" initiative aims to streamline the path to Red Seal certification. France Daviault, chief executive of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, stressed investments must translate into systems serving both apprentices and employers.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Skills/Compétences Canada Responds to Youth Skilled Trade Investments in Spring Economic Statement
OTTAWA, Ontario, April 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skills/Compétences Canada welcomes the federal investments to strengthen youth pathways into the skilled trades, including the launch of the Team Canada Strong initiative, which will create paid, job-ready opportunities for young Canadians…
Why London-area unions applaud Ottawa's investments in the trades
The federal government's newly announced push to hire up to 100,000 new trades workers is being received well by London-area unions and tradespeople, who hope the $6 billion in investment will make a big difference in their industries.
Labour groups welcome federal spending commitments on skilled trades
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
Ottawa rolls out $6B trades plan to bolster workforce
The federal government has unveiled a $6-billion plan to recruit, train and hire up to 100,000 skilled trades workers, positioning the initiative as a key pillar in strengthening Canada’s workforce and industrial capacity. Announced as part of the spring economic update, the “Team Canada Strong” program aims to accelerate entry into the trades and reduce certification timelines, while addressing barriers that have limited participation among you…
Skills/Compétences Canada Welcomes Youth Skilled Trade Investments In Spring Economic Statement
Through hands-on learning, SCC supports youth in exploring and pursuing careers in the skilled trades, including Red Seal trades, helping to build a strong, job-ready workforce for Canada’s future. OTTAWA — In an Apr. 30 statement Skills/Compétences Canada welcomes the investments the federal government announced in their Spring economic statement. The investments are aimed at strengthening youth pathways into the skilled trades and include the …
Sask. Finance minister finds ‘interesting’ things in federal spring economic update
On Tuesday, the federal government gave its spring economic update and Saskatchewan’s finance minister said it included some interesting things. “Pleased to see contribution rates on CPP (lowered), I think (that) will be helpful for business,” Minister Jim Reiter commented. “Extra investment in the trades and training, I think that will be helpful.” The update said the base contribution rate will be lowered to 9.5 per cent. More details were als…
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