The Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
As Minister of Jobs and Families, I am pleased to welcome you to the Skills Canada Nova Scotia Provincial Competition.
You’ve expressed an interest in one of the fastest growing and important careers: the skilled trades. Today, and in the years to come, Canada needs more workers like you, with the knowledge and expertise you’re in the process of obtaining.
In the coming years, there will be a bigger number of jobs in the skilled trades, which is a great opportunity for you. The housing landscape, in particular, is changing. By the time you start your career, there will be an entirely new Canadian housing industry: one that improves productivity in the construction sector, uses Canadian materials, creates new high-paying careers across the supply chain and positions Canada as a world leader in modern homebuilding.
By 2033, 750,000 skilled tradespeople are set to retire and by the end of this decade, we expect 400,000 new jobs in trades to be created. These jobs will be yours to choose from.
You’ve chosen an exciting path and are on your way to a career that is critical, respected, and rewarding. You are the next generation of workers that will help build Canada strong.
And you’re not doing it alone. The Government of Canada offers many supports that are available through your apprenticeship training to ensure you have the right equipment, tools, materials and support to help you find an apprenticeship position and succeed in your chosen path. Find your skilled trade.
Nearly $1 billion annually in apprenticeship support goes toward making trades training more accessible through loans, project funding, tax credits and deductions, and Employment Insurance benefits.
We will continue to collaborate with Skills Canada to ensure that young Canadians like you can start building a good career!
Good luck in the competition!
Patty Hajdu
The Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
