Budget 2025 supports Canadian workers
News release
October 30, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario - In a rapidly changing and uncertain world, the Government of Canada is focused on protecting communities and the country, building the economy with major projects and millions of additional homes, and empowering Canadians with lower costs and new opportunities that will help people get ahead.
On November 4th, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, will table Budget 2025 – the government’s plan to deliver generational, transformational investments that will grow the economy, empower workers, create high-paying careers, and protect and support those most affected by trade disruptions.
Budget 2025 will launch a Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund by directing $97 million, over five years, starting in 2026-27, from existing Foreign Credential Recognition Program resources. The Action Fund will help internationally trained workers, particularly in health care and construction, get their skills recognized faster so they can contribute sooner in Newfoundland and Labrador, and across Canada.
Budget 2025 will also invest $75 million over three years, starting in 2026-27, to expand the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP). This expansion will support union-led apprenticeship training in Red Seal trades through equipment upgrades, innovative projects that reduce barriers for under-represented groups, helping to meet growing demand for skilled trades across Atlantic Canada.
Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador needs more nurses and technologists in our hospitals; electricians, carpenters, and welders on our construction sites, and more workers in the jobs that keep our communities running. Budget 2025 moves quicker on foreign credential recognition so internationally-trained workers can put their skills to work here at home. By also strengthening union-led training in the skilled trades, we are building the workforce needed for housing, major projects, and a stronger economy.”
The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
Quick facts
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Many newcomers to Canada already have extensive training in sectors where Canada is experiencing labour shortages, including doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals, as well as workers in construction occupations. Budget 2025 will propose to provide $97 million over five years, starting in 2026-27, for Employment and Social Development Canada to establish the Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund and work with the provinces and territories to improve the fairness, transparency, and timeliness of foreign credential recognition, with a focus on health and construction sectors. This funding would be sourced from existing departmental resources.
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Building major infrastructure and millions more homes will create high-paying careers for Canadians, but that means the newest generation of Canadian builders must get the proper training. Budget 2025 will propose to provide $75 million over three years, starting in 2026-27, to Employment and Social Development Canada to expand the Union Training and Innovation Program, which supports union-based apprenticeship training in the Red Seal trades.
Contacts
Ira Khedkar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Fisheries
Ira.Khedkar@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca