Historic Policy Changes Included in 2022 Budget to Support Skilled Trades Workers in Canada

The Canadian federal government included a Labour Mobility Deduction for Tradespeople in its 2022 Budget that will provide tax recognition on up to $4,000 per year in eligible travel and temporary relocation expenses to eligible trades workers and apprentices.

This tax deduction, which would apply to the 2022 and subsequent taxation years, recognizes the important role skilled trades workers play in Canada’s construction industry.

“On behalf of BAC craftworkers, we thank the Canadian Building Trades Unions for working tirelessly over the last decade to fight for tax fairness for skilled trades workers,” says Craig Strudwick, BAC’s Canadian Regional Director. “We also want to thank Prime Minster JustinTrudeau, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland, and Minister ofLabour Seamus O’Regan for making this policy change that will better workers’ lives and improve labour availability across Canada.”

The 2022 Budget also provides$84.2 million over the next four years to double funding for theUnion Training and Innovation Program, helping3,500 apprentices from under represented groups–including women, newcomers, people with disabilities, indigenous people, and Black and racialized Canadians–begin careers in the skilled trades through mentorship, career services, and job-matching