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- calendar_today October 14, 2026
Ottawa to Unveil Major Skilled Trades Training Package
The federal government will announce plans to deliver more than $350 million in funding to support skilled trades training, worker recruitment, and equipment investments. The announcement is expected on Thursday, with Secretary of State for Labour John Zerucelli set to outline the details.
Aiming to Close Canada's Skilled Trades Gap
The funding is designed to help address a persistent labor shortage in skilled trades, with the government estimating a gap of more than 20,000 workers each year. Ottawa’s goal, as part of the Team Canada Strong plan announced in the spring economic update, is to recruit, train, and hire between 80,000 and 100,000 new workers with nationally recognized Red Seal certification by the 2030-31 timeframe.
Details of the Multi-Stream Funding Approach
The more than $350 million in funding will be allocated through three designated streams. These target various aspects of skilled trades training and workforce development:
- Equipment Investments: One stream will increase federal contributions to equipment purchases for unions, colleges, and organizations training Red Seal workers. The government will temporarily boost its share of equipment costs to up to 70%, a jump from the current 50%.
- Training Infrastructure: Another stream focuses on expanding or building new union-run training centers. This infrastructure push aims to grow training capacity across the country, with an emphasis on backing shovel-ready projects able to begin construction by next spring.
- Innovation Projects: The third stream will fund innovative projects that support worker recruitment, retention, and training in Red Seal trades. This may include integrating artificial intelligence in training or launching new initiatives to bring in and support apprentices as they progress toward certification.
Supporting Apprenticeship and Workforce Development
The announcement fits within the federal government’s broader commitment of $6 billion over five years for worker recruitment, apprenticeship funding, and training. Among the elements previously outlined are wage subsidies for employers hiring apprentices, paid entry-level trades work leading to apprenticeships, weekly income top-ups for apprentices, and completion bonuses for those finishing training.
While key details of these wage subsidies and bonus programs have yet to be released, Thursday’s announcement is expected to clarify the new funding available for unions, training providers, and organizations involved in the delivery of skilled trades programs.
Part of Legislative Push for Faster Project Approvals
This push for enhanced skilled trades training also coincides with the government’s legislative efforts. The Liberals’ Bill C-39, targeting expedited major project approvals and construction, is currently advancing through Parliament. Officials hope that investment in training and recruitment will ensure a workforce ready to meet the demands of these accelerated infrastructure projects.
Upcoming Announcement and Next Steps
The formal announcement is scheduled for Thursday morning in Metcalfe, Ontario, near Ottawa. As the government prepares to release further details, unions, training institutions, and apprentices are awaiting information on how this funding can support ongoing efforts to address Canada’s skilled trades labor shortage and advancement of Red Seal certification.
Source: cbc.ca.
