Ontario Construction News staff writer
A program aimed at training over 290 Indigenous apprentices to develop Red Seal trade skills is getting a $ boost from the federal government. Funding is part of the Trade Winds to Success Training Society’s “Towards Net Zero Residential Construction” project, which supports Canada’s housing plan and is expected to address the growing demand for skilled tradespeople, particularly those needed to support the country’s housing needs.
Indigenous apprentices will be provided with tools and resources to succeed in the skilled trades, including addressing barriers to entry and helping them pass the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training entrance exam.
Apprentices are expected to develop skills that contribute to reducing environmental impacts in residential construction.
“Communities across Canada need housing quickly. Investments like this one in the Towards Net Zero Residential Construction project help grow and train our workforce to build the homes we need while lifting barriers to labour participation,” said Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Steven MacKinnon.
The Government’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy is providing up to $48.8 million starting in 2024-25 to support trades related to homebuilding, a key aspect of Canada’s Housing Plan, which aims to unlock 3.87 million new homes by 2031. To meet this goal, thousands of new skilled tradespeople will be needed in the coming years.
“Tradespeople are critical to our country’s future,” said The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre. “This funding will empower the local urban Indigenous community and ensure they are leaders in building Canada’s 21st-century economy.”
Funds will also be used to build 13 high-efficiency homes for First Nations and Métis settlements in Alberta. Shannon McCarthy, Executive Director of Trade Winds to Success, emphasized the significance of this funding.
BuildForce Canada estimates the construction industry will need to recruit 351,800 new workers by 2033, largely due to retirements.
For more information on the skilled trades and available supports, visit Canada.ca/skilled-trades.
