IBEW Canada welcomes the federal government’s Spring Economic Update 2026 and its historic commitment of more than $6 billion to recruit, train, and hire up to 100,000 skilled trades workers across the country.
This investment marks a major step forward for Canada’s electrical industry, supporting the workforce needed to deliver nation-building projects in housing, infrastructure, energy, critical minerals, and electrification.
Key measures directly benefiting IBEW members, contractors, and industry partners include:
- $225 million to expand union-led training centres.
- $3.4 billion to help apprentices complete training.
- Up to $16,000 in new apprenticeship grants.
- A $5,000 Red Seal completion bonus.
- $1 billion in employer wage supports.
- Modernization of the national Red Seal system.
These investments strengthen the unionized electrical sector by expanding training capacity, reducing barriers for apprentices, improving labour mobility, and ensuring contractors have access to a highly skilled workforce ready to meet growing national demand.
“This announcement will supercharge the skilled trades across Canada to help build and assist the much-needed infrastructure and electrification of our country. It will transform apprenticeships in today’s technology, safety and training, meeting the moment to supply a workforce for Major Projects from coast to coast to coast.
IBEW Canada will be there as the number # 1 stakeholder in the electrical industry, to support our clients, contractors, and membership, as we build the greatest country in the world!” said IBEW Canada International Vice President Russ Shewchuk.
With more than 1.4 million skilled trades workers needed by 2033, including over 600,000 Red Seal tradespeople, Canada’s economic future depends on a workforce built through strong union training, proven safety standards, and fair labour practices.
IBEW Canada calls on the federal government to ensure these historic investments prioritize unionized labour, responsible contractors, and strong apprenticeship minimums. These commitments are critical to ensuring the IBEW can continue building on its more than 130-year track record of workforce development, producing the safest and most skilled electrical workers in Canada to meet the demands of nation-building projects from coast to coast.
IBEW Canada looks forward to our continued work with government, industry, and labour partners to help ensure Canada’s future infrastructure, electrification, and economic growth are built and maintained by union workers.
About IBEW Canada
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Canada represents skilled electrical workers in construction, utilities, telecommunications, manufacturing, railroad, government and emerging energy sectors across the country. Through its Local Unions, signatory contractors, and industry partnerships, IBEW Canada delivers world-class training, champions safety, and supports the development of a highly skilled workforce that powers Canada’s economy. From major infrastructure and energy projects to community development, IBEW Canada is the #1 stakeholder for Canada’s electrical industry.
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“This announcement will supercharge the skilled trades across Canada to help build and assist the much-needed infrastructure and electrification of our country. It will transform apprenticeships in today’s technology, safety and training, meeting the moment to supply a workforce for Major Projects from coast to coast to coast.
IBEW Canada will be there as the number #1 stakeholder in the electrical industry, to support our clients, contractors, and membership, as we build the greatest country in the world!”
 | RUSS SHEWCHUK International Vice President IBEW First District, Canada |