Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
Liberal Leader Mark Carney is targeting the skilled trades sector with new proposals aimed at addressing a potential shortfall of tens of thousands of workers.
Speaking in Oakville, Carney outlined a plan to support skilled trades through a new apprenticeship grant, increased access to union-led training programs, and a $20 million funding stream for colleges to create new apprenticeship training spaces.
The Liberals also plan to enhance labour mobility between provinces, addressing interprovincial trade barriers that can hinder the construction industry.
“Our task as a nation over the coming weeks and months is to think bigger, and to act bigger, to build Canada strong,” Carney said.
Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is focusing on reducing bureaucratic red tape, a proposal that could have far-reaching effects on the construction industry which often faces delays due to regulatory hurdles.
Poilievre has vowed to cut federal regulations by 25% within two years through a “two-for-one” law, which would require two existing regulations to be repealed for every new one introduced. He also promises that for every dollar spent on new administrative costs, two dollars would be cut elsewhere, easing the regulatory burden on businesses, including construction firms.
“Today, the federal government imposes 149,000 individual rules on our small businesses,” Poilievre said, adding that the $51 billion cost of federal red tape has been a major obstacle for industries like construction. The Conservatives claim that reducing this red tape would lead to faster infrastructure development and greater investment in Canadian projects.
Both leaders’ promises come amid growing concerns about the impact of trade policies under U.S. President Donald Trump, with Canadian leaders pushing for stronger domestic measures to protect and grow Canadian industries.
