In September of 2025, Kelowna Chamber CEO George Greenwood put his thoughts into a new Chamber policy: “Time to Fully Fund a Trades Training Program.” Policy changes often move at the speed of a tortoise – but from time to time, the hare takes over, and in Tuesday’s Federal Spring Economic Update, the Chamber saw many of the policy’s recommendations tabled for adoption.
“It became clear to me last fall,” says Greenwood, “that one of the barriers to getting new housing onto the market, fast, was the serious lack of skilled trades across a range of disciplines. Canada’s prosperity depends on a skilled, resilient workforce. Yet labour shortages in the trades are at crisis levels.”
“Housing affordability goals require 3.5 million homes by 2030. And the clean energy transition adds to the gap: requiring electricians and pipefitters among others in unprecedented numbers.”
As of last fall, Greenwood judged the tuition and fee barrier to range from $5,000 to $15,000. Tuesday’s announcements total $16,000 total support under ‘Team Canada Strong’ including an apprenticeship grant and income support top-ups, proving the accuracy of the policy’s recommendations.
Employers will also get help with a $10,000 support per apprentice, plus eventual job-matching help. Builders are in near-desperate straits in many provinces, including B.C., and this new recognition of the need by the federal government must be matched by acceptance by the provincial government in B.C. as education is under their purview.
“I am delighted that our Chamber saw and made public our call to address this critical gap, gaining immediate support,” said Greenwood. “The skilled trades are the foundation of Canada’s economy. Without bold action to expand training and reduce barriers, labour shortages will continue to undermine national goals. A fully funded trades education program, balanced with repayment safeguards, is a cost-effective and forward-looking investment in Canada’s workforce resilience.”
For a full copy of the policy, click here.