FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2026
Federal Government builds Canada’s future with $6-billion investment in trades training
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115 supports major investment
The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 115 commends Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Government of Canada for its significant investment in trades training.
The $6 billion investment announced in the Spring Economic Update will create real opportunity for the next generation of Canadians to access stable, family-supporting careers in the skilled trades. In turn, those workers will build the infrastructure that drives Canada forward.
“This investment shows that the federal government recognizes the critical role tradespeople play in building the future of this country, and we’re encouraged by that,” said Bryan Railton, Business Manager for IUOE Local 115. “We thank Prime Minister Mark Carney for his confidence in union-led training. Training is what we do best, and we intend to deliver.”
Beyond strengthening the trades workforce, this investment positions Canada to take greater control of its own future by building major infrastructure projects here at home. In doing so, we strengthen our economic independence and reinforce our national sovereignty.
“This investment provides much-needed certainty at a time when external pressures, including American tariffs, have created real instability,” said Railton. “The path forward is clear, we need to build our own capacity as a country, and that starts with a highly skilled workforce ready to get the job done.”
According to the federal government, Canada will require 1.4 million trades workers by 2033, including more than 600,000 Red Seal trades, just to keep pace with retirements and baseline growth. The goal of the $6-billion investment is to recruit, train and hire 80,000-100,000 new Red Seal skilled trades workers within the next five years.
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Allingham Strategies
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