Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario and Nova Scotia have announced a new partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to boost interprovincial mobility for skilled tradespeople.
“The need for qualified skilled trades professionals is more pressing than ever. This MOU supports our mission to make Ontario’s apprenticeship programs more accessible and aligned with Red Seal trades,” said Melissa Young, CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario.
LiUNA Canada responded to the announcement with a post on X.
“This is great news for LiUNA members and skilled workers across Ontario and Nova Scotia,” the post states. “Enhancing labour mobility will continue to ensure we are removing barriers and meeting growing infrastructure demands while attracting new talent and advancing opportunities for our workforce.”
The agreement aims to address labour shortages and open up new pathways for trades professionals across both provinces, enhancing their ability to meet the growing demands of the construction and infrastructure sectors.
“As Nova Scotia grows, we need more skilled trade workers to build our infrastructure and provide essential services,” said Nova Scotia’s Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration, Jill Balser. “This agreement is a bold step towards fair assessment of qualified professionals and improving our labour supply,” Balser said.
The MOU signifies Ontario’s commitment to improving its skilled labour supply and expanding certification opportunities.
“Our government is dedicated to building the highways, hospitals, and homes that our communities need,” said David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “This MOU with Nova Scotia builds on our recent success with Alberta and will help fill in-demand jobs, support our mutual goals, and strengthen communities.”
The agreement, set for review in 18 months, builds on Ontario’s previous MOU with Alberta and aligns with ongoing national efforts to harmonize Red Seal trades. Ontario is also collaborating with other Atlantic provinces—Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador—to address interprovincial barriers in the skilled trades.
“This MOU allows us to better address both current and future needs for skilled tradespeople. It will enhance worker mobility and improve strategic recruitment across Ontario and Nova Scotia,” said Michael Sherrard, Chair of the Skilled Trades Ontario Board.
The new agreement is a significant advancement for the skilled trades community, promising to improve workforce mobility and address critical labour market needs in both Ontario and Nova Scotia.