OTTAWA – March 21, 2025 – Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre unveiled a new labour-focused strategy aimed at reviving Canada’s skilled trades workforce through what he calls a “More Boots, Less Suits” approach—part of his broader “Bring It Home” economic platform. The plan targets the training of 350,000 workers over five years, with key investments in apprenticeship grants, training infrastructure, and faster Employment Insurance (EI) access for apprentices.
The announcement comes as the Liberal government prepares to cancel existing apprenticeship grants at the end of this month, a move Poilievre says will hurt the next generation of Canadian workers.
“We must bring home our paycheques and production—and take back control of our economy from the Americans,” said Poilievre. “That means training Canadians now to build, develop and transport the goods the world needs.”
Reviving Support for Skilled Trades
Under the Conservative plan:
- Apprenticeship grants of up to $4,000—introduced under the previous Conservative government—would be reinstated.
- The Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) would be expanded to include funding for physical training halls, with up to 75% of project costs covered for smaller unions and institutions.
- Rapid EI access would be enabled for apprentices through pre-registration at union training centres and colleges.
- National health and safety standards would be harmonized across provinces to allow trades workers to work anywhere in Canada without redundant retraining.
The Conservatives say these changes are designed to counteract what they describe as “Liberal economic vandalism”—arguing that under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his potential successor, Mark Carney, Canadians have experienced a steep decline in affordability and economic stability.
Local Relevance for Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario
For regions like Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, where trades such as mining, forestry, and construction are central to economic growth, Poilievre’s announcement could signal a renewed focus on supporting local trades programs and infrastructure. Institutions like Confederation College and community union training centres may stand to benefit directly from this funding expansion.
Furthermore, quicker EI access and harmonized regulations could reduce barriers for local workers taking jobs across provincial lines—especially relevant in the North where interprovincial project mobility is key.
As U.S. political developments—such as Donald Trump’s tariff threats—loom large, Poilievre is positioning his strategy as both economic stimulus and national protection.
“Common Sense Conservatives will work with our unions to champion workers,” he said. “My Conservative Government will work for the people who do the work.”
Funding for these initiatives, Poilievre says, would come from cutting federal bureaucracy, though exact figures have not yet been released.
