PROMISE MADE...PROMISE KEPT: LOCAL TRADESPEOPLE BENEFIT FROM GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR THE SKILLED TRADES

Canada’s New Government is delivering on another campaign promise with three new programs that open the door for more young people to build careers in the skilledtrades.

In the last election, Prime Minister Stephen Harper promised a made-in-Canada plan to encourage more
young people to pursue a career in the skilled trades and end the unfair tax treatment of tradespeople.

“Canada is facing a serious shortage of tradespeople,” said Peterborough MP Dean Del Mastro. “Meanwhile, many young Canadians find themselves stuck in low-paying work and are either not encouraged to consider the trades or unable to do so because of financial barriers.”

“In our first budget, Canada’s New Government is addressing these challenges and encouraging a skilled workforce through grants to apprentices, tax credits for the employers who hire them and tax deductions for
tradespeople on the cost of their tools,” Del Mastro said.

Budget 2006 includes:
• A cash grant of $1,000 per year to most apprentices in the first two years of the program to help new
aprentices cover the cost of tools, boots and work accessories;
• A new deduction of up to $500 to assist tradespeople with the cost of tools required for work; and
• A new Tax Credit of up to $2,000 per year for employers who hire new apprentices.
“Our government’s support for the skilled trades is another example of how Prime Minister Stephen Harper
is delivering for ordinary working Canadians.” said MP Del Mastro.

For more information please visit the Human Resources and Social Development Canada website or Contact my office.