{"id":2802,"date":"2025-03-19T13:57:15","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T13:57:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/?p=2802"},"modified":"2025-03-20T20:38:37","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T20:38:37","slug":"investing-in-our-skilled-trades-special-announcement-at-smart-local-47","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/?p=2802","title":{"rendered":"Investing in Our Skilled Trades: Special Announcement at SMART Local 47"},"content":{"rendered":"<article class=\"group\/turn w-full text-token-text-primary focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-offset-[-4px]\" dir=\"auto\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-6\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-[18px] px-6\">\n<div class=\"mx-auto flex flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 md:max-w-3xl\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn @xs\/thread:px-0 @sm\/thread:px-1.5 @md\/thread:px-4\">\n<div class=\"flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"54f79a37-aa26-465b-8a03-3ee2b714e2a5\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o-mini\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\">\n<p data-start=\"53\" data-end=\"609\">I had the privilege of attending a very important announcement at SMART Local 47, right here in our ward, where the federal government committed $67 million in new funding to support union training centres across Canada. This investment will provide nearly 30,000 apprentices with access to high-quality training, equipping them with the hands-on experience and expertise needed to succeed in the skilled trades. With this funding, 29,000 pairs of hands will be ready to build the homes, roads, transit, and infrastructure that Canadians rely on every day.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"1018\">The event brought together MP Mona Fortier, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Steven MacKinnon, and leaders from across the industry, including representatives from Canada\u2019s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) and various skilled trades organizations. The presence of government officials and industry experts reflected a shared commitment to strengthening the<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-2805 \" src=\"https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/da88796e-26cf-4991-8dc4-164cef2074ff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"279\" height=\"210\" srcset=\"https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/da88796e-26cf-4991-8dc4-164cef2074ff.jpg 800w, https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/da88796e-26cf-4991-8dc4-164cef2074ff-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/da88796e-26cf-4991-8dc4-164cef2074ff-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/da88796e-26cf-4991-8dc4-164cef2074ff-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 279px) 100vw, 279px\" \/> workforce that keeps this country running.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1020\" data-end=\"1064\">Building a Strong, Independent Workforce<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1066\" data-end=\"1426\">Skilled trades are the backbone of Canada\u2019s infrastructure and economy. Every major development\u2014whether it\u2019s transportation networks, energy projects, or housing\u2014depends on the expertise of tradespeople. Investing in training ensures that we have a capable and well-prepared workforce to meet the increasing demand for construction and infrastructure projects.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1428\" data-end=\"1765\">This announcement comes at a time when economic uncertainty and global market shifts are reinforcing the need for self-sufficiency. With rising tariffs and unpredictable trade relations with the United States, there is a greater urgency to ensure that Canada has the skilled labour force necessary to sustain and grow our own industries.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"1767\" data-end=\"2361\">Minister Steven MacKinnon addressed this reality, emphasizing Canada\u2019s need to take control of its future:<br data-start=\"1873\" data-end=\"1876\" \/>&#8220;What is true is we need capable and ready talent with the experience and training to help us build the country Canadians expect and that the times demand. We need things and people that connect our provinces, build our economies, give us open trade, and bridge our natural resources to new markets.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"2363\" data-end=\"2577\">By investing in apprenticeship programs and modernizing training centres, Canada is strengthening its own economic potential by ensuring that Canadian workers can take on the next generation of infrastructure projects without relying on external labour markets.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2579\" data-end=\"2623\">A Critical Investment in Canada\u2019s Future<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-2807 \" src=\"https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cbca8d27-69a2-476d-8c17-3871b3dbba7a.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"294\" height=\"214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cbca8d27-69a2-476d-8c17-3871b3dbba7a.jpg 800w, https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cbca8d27-69a2-476d-8c17-3871b3dbba7a-300x218.jpg 300w, https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cbca8d27-69a2-476d-8c17-3871b3dbba7a-768x558.jpg 768w, https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cbca8d27-69a2-476d-8c17-3871b3dbba7a-600x436.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 294px) 100vw, 294px\" \/><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2625\" data-end=\"2930\">Beyond the immediate job opportunities this funding creates, it lays the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient economy. With major construction and development initiatives on the horizon, ensuring that Canadian workers have the training to fill those roles is both an economic and strategic necessity.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"2932\" data-end=\"3152\">MP Mona Fortier spoke to the long-term benefits of this investment, stating:<br data-start=\"3008\" data-end=\"3011\" \/>\u201cIt\u2019s really something that will go a long way towards growing Canada\u2019s economy and creating well paying, sustainable jobs for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3528\">This funding will support workers at different stages of their careers\u2014whether they are starting out in the trades, retraining for new opportunities, or looking to upgrade their skills. As the demand for housing and infrastructure continues to grow, the ability to train and retain skilled workers in Canada will be essential to keeping up with the needs of our communities.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3530\" data-end=\"3759\">The investment ensures that 29,000 workers across the country will be given the tools and training necessary to enter stable, well-paying careers, strengthening both individual livelihoods and Canada\u2019s broader economic stability.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3761\" data-end=\"3804\">Why This Matters Locally and Nationally<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-2809 \" src=\"https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/db93a6eb-c93b-4ea3-85bd-d55ef9bb95c0.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"279\" height=\"209\" srcset=\"https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/db93a6eb-c93b-4ea3-85bd-d55ef9bb95c0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/db93a6eb-c93b-4ea3-85bd-d55ef9bb95c0-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/db93a6eb-c93b-4ea3-85bd-d55ef9bb95c0-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/db93a6eb-c93b-4ea3-85bd-d55ef9bb95c0-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 279px) 100vw, 279px\" \/><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3806\" data-end=\"4105\">Having this announcement take place right here at SMART Local 47 highlights how deeply this investment is rooted in supporting workers where they live and train. The apprentices learning here today will go on to build and maintain the infrastructure that communities across Canada rely on every day.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4107\" data-end=\"4390\">At a national level, this investment ensures that Canada remains competitive, self-sufficient, and forward-looking. By strengthening our workforce, we are not just supporting skilled tradespeople\u2014we are securing the country\u2019s ability to grow, develop, and adapt to future challenges.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4392\" data-end=\"4670\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">This funding is a clear message that skilled trades are valued and essential to Canada\u2019s economic success. It was an honour to be part of today\u2019s announcement, and I look forward to seeing the lasting impact this will have on both our local workforce and the country as a whole.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This $67 million investment in skilled trades training across Canada, announced at SMART Local 47, will empower nearly 30,000 apprentices with the skills needed to build and maintain critical infrastructure, strengthening the country&#8217;s economy and workforce for the future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2803,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[75],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2802","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-government"],"aioseo_notices":[],"rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022.jpg",800,600,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022.jpg",800,600,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022.jpg",800,600,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022-300x225.jpg",300,225,true],"large":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022.jpg",800,600,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022.jpg",800,600,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022.jpg",800,600,false],"inforward-post-grid":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022-750x450.jpg",750,450,true],"inforward-full":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022-800x480.jpg",800,480,true],"inforward-post-full":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022.jpg",800,600,false],"inforward-related-posts-image":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022-230x150.jpg",230,150,true],"inforward-portfolio-small-image":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022-360x260.jpg",360,260,true],"inforward-portfolio-big-image":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022-555x380.jpg",555,380,true],"inforward-testimonial":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022-263x263.jpg",263,263,true],"inforward-events-slider":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022-768x300.jpg",768,300,true],"woocommerce_thumbnail":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022-300x300.jpg",300,300,true],"woocommerce_single":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022-600x450.jpg",600,450,true],"woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022-100x100.jpg",100,100,true],"rt_custom":["https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1e66ec31-3f5a-4175-be32-a69c7626d022.jpg",800,600,false]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Andrea Shane","author_link":"https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/?author=3"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/timtierneyottawa.ca\/?cat=75\" rel=\"category\">Government<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"This $67 million investment in skilled trades training across Canada, announced at SMART Local 47, will empower nearly 30,000 apprentices with the skills needed to build and maintain critical infrastructure, strengthening the country's economy and workforce for the 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