In a rapidly changing and uncertain world, the federal government is focused on what we can control. We are protecting our communities and our country. We are building our economy with major projects and millions more homes. And we are empowering Canadians through lower costs and new opportunities to help them get ahead. We cannot control what other nations do, but we can control what we choose to build-and we are building Canada strong.
Canada has a skilled and adaptable workforce-the most educated in the world-and Budget 2025 lays out a plan to deliver generational, transformational investments to grow our economy, empower workers, create high-paying careers, and protect and support those most affected by trade disruptions.
Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), highlighted that Budget 2025 proposes to introduce new tax measures to support personal support workers and skilled professionals.
The temporary 5-year Personal Support Workers Tax Credit is expected to support personal support workers and recognize the vital role they play in communities. Eligible workers will be able to claim a refundable tax credit equal to 5% of their eligible income, providing support of up to $1,100 per year. This new tax credit will be available in provinces and territories that are not covered by a bilateral agreement with the federal government to increase wages for personal support workers.
Budget 2025 also proposes to provide $97 million over 5 years, starting in 2026-2027, to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to establish the Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund. ESDC will work with the provinces and territories to improve fairness, transparency, timeliness and consistency in foreign credential recognition, with a focus on health and construction sectors.
These investments will continue to ensure that we are building up one of the strongest workforces in the world, as we build a stronger and more resilient Canada. The federal government will continue to invest in the people who make our communities strong as we face this transformational moment in our country's history.
