5 April: Liberal Leader Mark Carney wrapped up the second week of the federal election campaign by reinforcing his core message — securing Canada’s economy and empowering the next generation through opportunity and skills training.
Speaking at a training facility in Oakville on Saturday, Carney announced that a Liberal government would introduce a new apprenticeship grant of up to $8,000 and expand access to union-led training programs. He also pledged $20 million in capital funding to help colleges develop new training spaces for apprentices.
“This is where it begins — by investing in the people who build Canada,” said Carney. “Crane operators, welders, bricklayers — the skilled trades are at the heart of our future.”
Carney’s plan also includes increasing labour mobility between provinces and territories, a move aimed at building “one Canadian economy” by eliminating long-standing interprovincial trade barriers. He emphasized that this issue has gained urgency since Donald Trump returned to the White House, posing economic and trade challenges to Canada.
The announcement caps off a week in which Carney focused heavily on economic themes. Earlier in Vaughan, Ontario, he promised to double Canada’s home construction rate to 500,000 units annually over the next decade. He also proposed creating a federal housing authority to accelerate affordable housing projects and offer financing to developers.
In Winnipeg, Carney highlighted previous Liberal commitments such as tax cuts, eliminating GST on first-time home purchases, expanding dental care, and tackling the housing crisis.
Throughout the week, Carney has positioned himself as the leader Canada needs to confront external threats, particularly from the U.S., while investing in its workforce to strengthen domestic resilience.
He concluded his message by underlining that his vision isn’t just about jobs — it’s about long-term careers for Canadians in skilled trades, with the training, support, and opportunity they need to thrive.
