Changing Scene

The Government of Canada is building one strong Canadian economy. To do so, Canada needs the strongest skilled trades workforce in the G7. By collaborating with unions, the federal government is supporting workers, so they get the skills and training they need and is also creating well-paying sustainable jobs for generations to come. On August 12, while speaking at a conference with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, announced close to $10 million in funding for the Western Joint Electrical Training Society. This project will provide innovative, hands-on training to construction electrician apprentices, journeypersons and other workers across Canada to address green skills, knowledge, and competency gaps. Secretary of State Zerucelli also announced more than $3 million to the National Electrical Trade Council for a project that will train Red Seal powerline technicians to use drones for powerline maintenance to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Together, these projects will mean nearly 17,350 workers will be able to upgrade or gain new skills.