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The Government of Canada announced $9,023,177 in funding for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Canadian District (UBC). This investment, made through the Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Program, will support the UBC Bridge to Red Seal project, which aims to support 1,500 internationally trained skilled workers.
“It takes skilled trades workers to build the homes we need, connect our communities, and bring economic prosperity to our provinces. That’s why today we’re investing $9 million in funding to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Canadian District’s Bridge to Red Seal Program. This will help put more than 1500 internationally trained professionals to work building the homes, infrastructure and projects Canadians need and expect.” said Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages.
The project will help participants obtain Red Seal certification in trades such as carpentry, welding and industrial mechanics (millwrights) by:
developing specialized assessment tools to evaluate work experience;
designing specialized curriculum to bridge gaps in theoretical knowledge and support language acquisition, specifically focused on safety and technical terms in the trades; and
assisting workers in navigating provincial trades organizations to gain recognition for their hours and credentials, preparing them to challenge the interprovincial Red Seal exam.
“As a country, we need to ensure that more skilled tradespeople enter the workforce to build the homes, hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure that Canadians rely on. At the Carpenters’ Union, we know it is especially important to attract and retain individuals that have prior construction experience. Our UBC Bridge to Red Seal Program will support internationally trained workers by providing prior learning assessments, hands-on training and language supports to assist them in getting their foreign credentials recognized and receiving their Red Seal accreditation. This program will improve economic outcomes for over 1,000 newcomers, while simultaneously helping Canada meet its labour supply challenges,” said Jason Rowe, VP, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Canadian District.
Budget 2024 provided an additional $50 million over two years, starting in 2024–2025, for the FCR Program, with a focus on residential construction and health care. This builds on Budget 2022 investments of $115 million over five years, starting in 2022–2023, and $30 million ongoing for the Program.
The FCR Program supports the labour market integration of internationally trained professionals by providing funding to provinces and territories, regulatory authorities and other organizations to make FCR processes faster and more efficient; providing loans and support services to help skilled newcomers through the FCR process; and providing employment supports (such as work placements, wage subsidies, training, mentoring and coaching) to help skilled newcomers gain Canadian work experience in their field of study. |
