Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault addresses housing crisis at Building Trades Conference in Gatineau
Tashi Farmilo
At the annual conference of Canada’s Building Trades Unions in Gatineau on April 29, Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault presented a robust outline of the government's strategy to tackle the housing crisis and reinforce the construction workforce. During his energetic speech, Boissonnault emphasized collaboration among governments, industry, and unions to address the needs of younger Canadians who find homeownership increasingly out of reach.
Boissonnault highlighted the ambitious goals set by the government's budget, which includes the construction of four million homes by 2030. This plan aims to make homeownership a reality once again for all generations, addressing the disconnection many young people feel from the traditional Canadian promise of a better life through hard work and homeownership.
The minister pointed to significant financial commitments, such as an additional $400 million allocation to the already $4 billion Housing Accelerator Fund and a further $6 billion for the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund. These funds are intended to expedite the development of new housing by simplifying building processes and ensuring adequate infrastructure.
Boissonnault discussed the importance of training and protecting Canadian workers, particularly in light of large-scale foreign investments. He emphasized that these investments are expected to create opportunities within Canada, and reassured the audience that Canadian workers would be prioritized for these jobs. Moreover, he highlighted the government's commitment to expanding the inclusion of underrepresented groups in the workforce, especially women. The minister stressed that increasing female participation in the trades is crucial for meeting the future demands of Canada's labour market, aligning with the government's broader goals of equality and economic growth.
The minister also took a moment to underscore the significant investments made in apprenticeships and training programs. Over $90 million will be invested in the Apprenticeship Service to aid job placements with small and medium-sized enterprises, alongside $10 million in the Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness program to encourage more young Canadians to consider careers in the skilled trades.
In his closing remarks, Boissonnault called for unity and action among the attendees, emphasizing that the path to overcoming the housing crisis and enhancing worker protections requires collective effort and commitment. He reiterated the government's dedication to not just creating policies, but also to partnering effectively with unions and workers to ensure a fair and prosperous future for all Canadians.
Photo caption: Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault presented key strategies to confront the housing crisis and reinforce the construction workforce at the annual conference of Canada’s Building Trades Unions in Gatineau.
Photo credit: Taylor Clark