Canada unveils $6 billion skilled trades program to address labor shortages

The initiative, called "Team Canada Strong", seeks to recruit, train and employ between 80,000 and 100,000 additional trades workers over the next five years. The programme was outlined as part of the government’s Spring Economic Update.

According to a statement, the plan is intended to address barriers to entering the trades, including training costs, limited apprenticeship opportunities and delays in certification.

The programme allocates C$2 billion to support paid job placements for young workers that transition into registered apprenticeships.

It also includes the creation of a national apprenticeship service designed to connect trainees with employers and subsidise first-year wages.

An additional C$331 million over five years will be directed toward modernising apprenticeship systems, including efforts to digitise certification processes under the Red Seal Program.

Measures include the introduction of online exams, digital credentialing and a standardised national apprenticeship identifier.

To support hiring and retention, the government will provide C$3.4 billion over five years, along with ongoing funding, to assist apprentices in completing training and transitioning into full-time employment.

Incentives include a one-time completion bonus of C$5,000 for certified workers and a weekly stipend during required in-class training periods.

The government said in a statement that total direct financial support for apprentices could reach up to C$16,000 per participant, in addition to existing employment insurance benefits.

Separate funding of C$250 million will be allocated to expand trades training capacity within the Canadian Armed Forces, including new programmes aimed at providing early exposure and technical training opportunities.

Government projections indicate Canada will require more than 1.4 million additional trades workers by 2033 to meet demand tied to housing, transportation and energy infrastructure projects.

The announcement follows other recent economic measures, including the launch of the Canada Strong Fund, which is designed to encourage domestic investment in national development projects.