September 9, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta Employment and Social Development Canada
As students head back to school, thousands of Canadians are also stepping into workshops, training centres and apprenticeship programs to build skills for the careers of tomorrow. From constructing homes and maintaining critical infrastructure to supporting major industrial projects, skilled trades workers are playing a vital role in building Canada's future.
That's why the Government of Canada is investing in the next generation of skilled trades workers by supporting high-quality training and providing modern, state-of-the-art training equipment and materials. Today, the Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), announced nearly $1.58 million in funding to the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 955 Training Trust Fund. The investment will support the purchase of a new rough terrain crane and a Liebherr telescoping mobile crane.
Delivered under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy's Investments in Training Equipment stream, this investment supports high-quality apprenticeship training that helps participants gain the hands-on experience and industry-recognized credentials needed for successful careers as mobile crane operators.
The Government of Canada is strengthening skilled trades training by doubling its investment in the Union Training and Innovation Program to support union-led training and by expanding flexibilities under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy's Investments in Training Equipment stream to make it easier and more affordable for unions and training providers to acquire the modern equipment and materials needed to train workers in the Red Seal trades.
Today's announcement supports the Government of Canada's plan to build Canada strong. Through the 2026 Spring Economic Update, the government committed $6 billion over five years to the Team Canada Strong initiative, a comprehensive strategy designed to recruit, train and hire between 80,000 and 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers by 2030-2031. This commitment has been strengthened by an additional $2 billion in new bilateral agreements with provinces and territories to increase access to pre-apprenticeship and technical training opportunities. Together, these investments will help modernize the skilled trades sector, create more opportunities for apprentices, and provide young Canadians with clear, paid pathways to rewarding careers.
