Friday, November 6, 2026

Budget 2026: CLAC Welcomes Trades Training Investment, Calls for Workforce Mobilization

Cambridge, ON—Federal Budget 2026 includes substantial commitments to skilled-trades training, major infrastructure, health care and worker affordability. CLAC welcomes the government's continued focus on workforce development and the opportunities these investments present for Canadian workers.

The budget builds on federal investments in skilled trades training, including apprenticeship incentives, completion bonuses, and additional financial support during technical training. It also added major projects to the list, including the Mackenzie Valley Highway and Taltson Hydro Expansion.

“Addressing the skilled labour shortage and building Canada Strong requires more than recruiting new workers,” says Wayne Prins, executive director of CLAC. “It means investing in modern training facilities and equipment, supporting apprentices through to certification, and helping experienced tradespeople keep pace with changing industries.”

Equally important is ensuring those investments translate into opportunities on job sites across the country. With Canada facing significant demand for skilled labour, CLAC believes an all-hands-on-deck approach is needed, one that keeps access to work open to all qualified workers and contractors, regardless of labour affiliation.

“Canada needs every skilled worker and capable contractor contributing to this effort,” adds Prins. “We cannot afford unnecessary barriers to employment when there is so much work to be done. Building Canada Strong means making the most of the workforce we have while preparing the next generation.”

Beyond construction, CLAC welcomes the proposed Build Canada Workers Benefit, which would increase financial assistance for approximately 1.9 million low-income workers. CLAC supports measures that help working Canadians manage rising costs while cautioning that eliminating advance payments could create financial pressures for those who rely on regular support.

In health care, Budget 2026 proposes $1.2 billion to extend existing funding for home and community care and mental health and addictions services through March 2028. CLAC welcomes the extension but stresses that longer-term funding certainty is needed to meet growing demand and address recruitment and retention challenges facing home care workers.

“Whether we're building the infrastructure Canada needs or providing care in people's homes, workers are at the heart of these investments,” says Prins. “In home care, this means ensuring the people delivering essential services have fair compensation, stable employment, and the working conditions they deserve. Investing in services must also mean investing in the workers who provide them.”

CLAC will continue advocating for policies that strengthen training, protect access to work, improve working conditions and ensure federal investments deliver lasting benefits for Canadian workers.

Budget 2026: CLAC Welcomes Trades Training Investment, Calls for Workforce Mobilization

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