The Canadian government is allocating $9 million to bring 1,500 internationally trained construction professionals into the country.
Canada has a significant labor shortage in its construction industry, a problem that is exacerbating the nation’s housing crisis. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has estimated that nearly 6 million additional homes must be built by 2030 to restore housing affordability.
The funding will be provided to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Canadian District (UBC) through the Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Program, which will be used to support the UBC Bridge to Red Seal project that helps participants obtain certification in trades such as carpentry, welding and industrial mechanics.
The FCR Program is designed to support the labor 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. Loans and support services are offered to help skilled newcomers through the FCR process, along with 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.
“It takes skilled trades workers to build the homes we need, connect our communities, and bring economic prosperity to our provinces,” said Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages Randy Boissonnault. “That’s why today we’re investing $9 million in funding to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Canadian District’s Bridge to Red Seal Program. This will help put more than 1500 internationally trained professionals to work building the homes, infrastructure and projects Canadians need and expect.”
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