As global trade shifts, Canada’s government is focusing on strengthening the economy by investing in nation‑building projects, affordable housing, defence industries, and local infrastructure. Achieving this requires a strong skilled trades workforce. Many young Canadians want to join the trades, but are discouraged by the long wait times, lack of opportunities, and high cost of training.
The launch of Team Canada Strong, a major new federal initiative announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney to recruit, train, and hire up to 100,000 skilled trades workers across Canada is a welcoming news for Canadians.
With a $6billion investment over five years, Team Canada Strong will help connect young Canadians and workers with paid training, faster apprenticeships, and goodpaying careers in the skilled trades—supporting housing construction, infrastructure projects, clean energy, and defence industries nationwide and here in Brampton.
“Team Canada Strong is about opening doors for the youth and workers who want to build strong, stable careers in the trades,” said Sonia Sidhu, MP for Brampton South.
“This investment gives Brampton residents access to paid training, faster certification, and real job opportunities—while ensuring we have the skilled workforce needed to grow our economy.” What Team Canada Strong Delivers
Team Canada Strong provides endtoend support from first interest to Red Seal certification by expanding paid, jobready placements; modernizing apprenticeship training; and helping apprentices complete training and transition into permanent jobs.
The program includes wage support of up to $10,000 for firstyear apprentices, faster digital certification, a $5,000 completion bonus, and up to $16,000 in income support during inclass training—working with provinces, unions, employers, Indigenous partners, and the Canadian Armed Forces.
Supporting Local Workers and Growth
By 2033, Canada will need more than 1.4 million new skilled trades workers. Team Canada Strong helps ensure growing communities like Brampton have access to the skilled workforce needed to build homes, expand infrastructure, and seize new economic opportunities—while giving local residents a clear, paid path into rewarding careers.
“Canada is building big – in ports, mines, railways, and millions more homes. It’s going to be a great time to be in the trades. Team Canada Strong is a nationwide effort that will get more young people into the trades and on the job, so we can build Canada strong for all.” – The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
