Labour groups welcome federal spending commitments on skilled trades

Construction workers work on a home in Deux-Montagnes, Que. on Monday, April 20, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

TORONTO — Labour groups have welcomed the federal government’s plan to spend billions of dollars to boost the number of people successfully going into skilled trades.

The spring economic update released Tuesday includes a commitment to spend up to $6 billion over five years toward the goal of getting 80,000 to 100,000 new certified skilled trades workers.

The government says its plans will help ensure more people complete their path to a Red Seal certification, in part by providing more apprenticeship opportunities as well as income support while training.

France Daviault, chief executive of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, says in a news release that it’s encouraging to see the federal government taking action in priority areas like financial support and incentives for employers.

Daviault says that supporting apprentices through to completion is an important step but the focus now needs to be on making sure these investments translate into systems that work better for both apprentices and employers.

Unifor said in a news release that the spending commitments are a positive development, while also raising concerns about the uncertainty facing Canada’s industrial sector and overall economy.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 29, 2026.