Canada's new government supports careers in skilled trades
Canada's by Peter Van Loan

When we were in Opposition, I served as the Conservative Critic for Human Resources. One contribution in which I take pride, is helping develop our "Standing Up for the Trades" policy.

York-Simcoe is a riding where one sees the importance of skilled trades to the economy and people's lives every day. But for years, the previous Liberal government had held careers in the trades in disdain. The only education or training of value, according to the Liberals, was a University degree whether it led to a job or not!

Not only did this show a lack of respect to the high skills, (and high pay) of those working in trades it also was putting our economic growth as a country at risk.

Even as Canada experiences its lowest unemployment rate in 34 years, we face a serious shortage of tradespeople. This shortage is becoming an impediment to our economic growth and needs to be addressed.

Many young Canadians, often working in low-paying jobs, have never given serious thought to a career in the skilled trades. Either they are not aware of the many opportunities in these fields or are discouraged by the startup costs involved.

During the election, Stephen Harper and our Party promoted a made-in-Canada plan to open doors for young people and to end the unfair tax treatment of tradespeople. As Prime Minister, Stephen Harper has

delivered on that promise with three specific measures aimed at supporting a career in the skilled trades.

First, to encourage employers to hire more apprentices, Canada's New Government introduced the Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit.

Eligible employers will now receive a tax credit equal to 10 per cent of the wages paid to qualifying apprentices up to a maximum of $2,000.

Second, a new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant program will be established effective January 1st, 2007. Under the program, a cash grant of $1,000 per year will be given to apprentices in the first two years of an apprenticeship program in the Red Seal Trades and other economically strategic apprenticeship programs.

Finally, a Tools Tax Deduction of up to $500 will be offered to tradespeople for the cost of tools in excess of $1,000 that are required as a condition of employment.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is delivering on his promise to stand up for ordinary Canadians with real support for young people interested in a career in the skilled trades.

I know these policies will make a positive difference in the lives of many in York-Simcoe and Innisfil, in particular. I'm proud that our new government is standing up for the trades!