The federal government has earmarked an investment of more than $9 million to prepare as many as 1,500 internationally trained skilled workers to complete their Red Seal certifications in several construction trades.

Employment and Workforce Development Minister Randy Boissonnault announced the funding on November 13. The money, which is being provided through the federal Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Program, will go to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Canadian District (UBC) to support the UBC Bridge to Red Seal Program.

The project will help participants obtain Red Seal certification in trades such as carpentry, welding and industrial mechanics. It will help develop specialized assessment tools to evaluate work experience, create specialized curricula to bridge knowledge gaps and help support language acquisition, and help participants navigate provincial trades organizations to gain recognition for their hours and credentials.

"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,” said Jason Rowe, Vice President, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Canadian District. “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."

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.

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.

Discussions at the recent workforce summit highlighted the critical role of skilled trades in driving economic growth, as well as the necessity for streamlined credential recognition processes to ensure that internationally trained professionals can swiftly enter the labour market and meet the urgent demand in the construction industry.

With Canada expecting 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, it is essential to support internationally trained professionals, including those already in Canada, to gain employment commensurate with their education and training. Foreign Credential Recognition Program projects support internationally trained professionals directly to help them successfully integrate into Canada's labour market.