Progressive Contractors Association of Canada Welcomes Launch of Canada Apprentice Loan

Progressive construction employers praise initiative that will strengthen Canada's skilled labour supply and improve perceptions of skilled trades

DELTA, BC, Jan. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) welcomed today's announcement by the federal government of the launch of the Canada Apprentice Loan.

"PCA congratulates Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Minister of Employment and Social Development Jason Kenney and Minister of National Revenue Kerry-Lynne Findlay for taking an important leadership role in creating apprenticeship opportunities for more Canadians," said PCA Vice President, Federal and Ontario, Sean Reid.  

"The Canada Apprentice Loan is a welcome new initiative that will help address significant labour shortages in the skilled trades by removing financial barriers to entry into apprenticeships. This measure is part of an important package of federal investments in apprenticeship and skills training that includes the Canada Job Grant, the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant and the Apprenticeship Completion Grant, and will help Canada prepare for the workforce that is needed now and in the future. As Canada's construction industry works to encourage more Canadians to enter the trades, the Canada Apprentice Loan will have a strong impact on elevating the inherent dignity and status of the skilled trades relative to other academic pursuits."   

"PCA was pleased to play an active consultative role in the development of this important initiative. Our organization will continue to be a leading advocate for strengthening Canada's workforce through apprenticeship and skills training. We commend the federal government for its continued commitment to and investments in the skilled trades."

About the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)

PCA is the voice of progressive unionized employers in Canada's construction industry. PCA member companies employ more than 25,000 skilled construction workers across Canada, represented primarily by CLAC. Our member companies are responsible for 40 percent of energy and natural resource construction projects in British Columbia and Alberta and are leaders in infrastructure construction across Canada.

PCA's goal is to ensure that Canada has a fair and open construction industry, cooperative labour relations, and a robust, inclusive and highly-capable workforce. PCA believes in open competition in which no sector is given artificial and unfair advantage over another on the basis of union affiliation or lack thereof.

SOURCE Progressive Contractors Association of Canada

Media inquiries: Sean Reid, [email protected] [phone]