March 9, 2026 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
The Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), and Pascale Déry, Quebec's Minister of Employment, have announced a new investment of $24.7 million over five years to support skills training for apprentices in 18 designated Red Seal trades in Quebec that are considered essential to reducing Canada's carbon emissions. Over a five-year period, up to 3,750 apprentices and journeypersons in Quebec could benefit from the additional funding announced. This investment is part of the bilateral agreement between Canada and Quebec in connection with the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP).
This funding will enable workers to gain the skills needed to continue the transition to a low-carbon economy and strengthen Quebec's skilled labour force in green industries.
The governments of Canada and Quebec are working together within their respective jurisdictions, to meet the most pressing needs of the skilled trades workforce in order to remove barriers to the integration of skilled trades and apprenticeships, help resolve the housing crisis and increase carbon-neutral construction to unlock the full economic potential of Quebec and Canada.
The funds announced today will be used under a bilateral contribution agreement as part of the Workforce Skills Development and Recognition Fund, which is established in accordance with the directions of the Commission des partenaires du marché du travail and administered by the Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale, in accordance with their priorities and the needs of Quebec workers and employers.
