Federal budget to invest in skilled trades training and foreign credential recognition

The federal government plans to dedicate millions of dollars in its upcoming budget to expand training and credential recognition for workers in key sectors. Employment Minister Patty Hajdu says $75 million over three years will go toward strengthening the Union Training and Innovation Program, which supports apprenticeships in the building trades.

Ottawa is also setting aside $97 million from existing Employment and Social Development Canada resources to help provinces and territories accelerate the recognition of foreign professional credentials. The move is aimed at reducing labour shortages by helping internationally trained workers enter their professions more quickly.

Hajdu says the budget will include a new personal support worker tax credit, expected to save eligible workers up to $1,100 a year in provinces that do not already have wage supplement agreements with the federal government.

The upcoming budget legislation will also amend the Canada Labour Code to limit the use of non-compete clauses in federally regulated workplaces – a measure intended to improve worker mobility and fairness.

The federal budget is expected to be tabled in the coming weeks, outlining broader spending priorities on jobs, affordability, and economic growth.