November 13, 2024 Vaughan, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
Canada is facing an ongoing need for skilled trades workers, particularly in construction, where demand has surged to support infrastructure, housing and industrial projects. Labour shortages in this sector are impacting growth, highlighting the importance of having enough skilled tradespeople to keep pace with Canada's expanding economy. To address these needs, the Government of Canada is investing in 1500 internationally trained professionals, to help them join Canada's skilled trades workforce.
Today, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, announced $9,023,177 in funding for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Canadian District (UBC). This investment, made through the Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Program, will support the UBC Bridge to Red Seal project, which aims to support 1,500 internationally trained skilled workers.
The project will help participants obtain Red Seal certification in trades such as carpentry, welding and industrial mechanics (millwrights) by:
- developing specialized assessment tools to evaluate work experience;
- designing specialized curriculum to bridge gaps in theoretical knowledge and support language acquisition, specifically focused on safety and technical terms in the trades; and
- assisting workers in navigating provincial trades organizations to gain recognition for their hours and credentials, preparing them to challenge the interprovincial Red Seal exam.
Budget 2024 provided an additional $50 million over two years, starting in 2024-2025, for the FCR Program, with a focus on residential construction and health care. This builds on Budget 2022 investments of $115 million over five years, starting in 2022-2023, and $30 million ongoing for the Program. By supporting internationally trained tradespeople in the FCR process, the Government of Canada is helping to build a diverse and qualified workforce that meets the growing demands of this essential sector.
The FCR Program supports the labour market integration of internationally trained professionals by providing funding to provinces and territories, regulatory authorities and other organizations to make FCR processes faster and more efficient; providing loans and support services to help skilled newcomers through the FCR process; and providing employment supports (such as work placements, wage subsidies, training, mentoring and coaching) to help skilled newcomers gain Canadian work experience in their field of study.
Projects like UBC Bridge to Red Seal contribute to Canada's economy by supporting internationally trained professionals and helping them to gain employment at a level in line with their education and training; addressing immediate labour needs; and supporting the long-term sustainability of the workforce.
