The United Brotherhood of Carpenters Canadian district got the funding from the federal government as a way to address labour shortages in the skilled trades industry.

Executive Director Jodie Lucas explains how this benefits northern Manitobans in the industry.......

“Northern Manitoba businesses can receive five thousand dollars for every new first year apprentice that they hire and an additional five thousand dollars if that apprentice identifies as an equity deserving group.  Just to give you an idea of equity deserving groups break down its women, Indigenous people, newcomers, persons with disabilities, visible minorities and LGBTQ2+ so that small and medium sized enterprises can receive a maximum of twenty thousand dollars per fiscal year and also for the two year program.  On the apprentice side this program will reduce barriers to employment for new first year apprentices living and working in the north.”

Lucas says they have a goal of helping out over 800 small and medium sized enterprises over the next two years in order to reduce barriers. You can find more information online at https:/ubc-asp.ca.