Ottawa – Today, Canada’s Building Trades Unions welcomes the federal government’s tabling of Bill C-5, which aims to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, increase labour mobility, and expediate nation-building projects. The legislation includes provisions to give the federal cabinet the autonomy to make regulations regarding the movement of labour within Canada and, following the Ministers’ Meeting that took place earlier this week, an agreement was made to work towards a 30-day service standard for credential recognition that would apply to professions such as skilled trades workers.
“This is a strong step forward for the Canadian economy that shows tremendous support for the skilled trades sector,” said CBTU Executive Director Sean Strickland. “As Canada faces a new era of nation building, the skilled tradespeople of the Building Trades are the individuals who will get the job done safely and efficiently, with the support of increased labour mobility to ensure they can get to where the work is.” By investing and focusing efforts on building Canadian infrastructure, Canada can work towards the energy and economic independence required to navigate these uncertain times and emerge a strong economic force.
While announcing details of the bill today, Prime Minister Carney explained that the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program would be doubled from $5 billion to $10 billion to help more Indigenous communities become owners of major projects. CBTU supports equity ownership for Indigenous communities, and doubling the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program will strengthen Canada’s existing relationships with Indigenous communities as we continue on the path to reconciliation.
