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The federal government’s upcoming budget will double funding for a union training program and introduce a refundable tax credit for personal support workers. The government intends to boost union-based apprenticeship training for Red Seal trades through an increase to the federal Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP). A doubling of UTIP from $25 million to $50 million has been a Liberal Party promise for years, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre made a similar pledge on the campaign trail. “Our new government is investing in Canadian workers, creating high-quality careers and getting things built faster,” said Secretary of State for Labour John Zerucelli. The new temporary Personal Support Workers Tax Credit will allow eligible workers to claim a refund on their taxes equal to five per cent of their eligible earnings up to a total of $1,100 per year for five years. Further details on how the government intends to determine eligibility were not included in a Monday news release announcing the program. "PSWs remain amongst the lowest-paid workers in health care," Zerucelli said. "It's a tangible way to show respect, real meaningful respect, for people who show up every day to care for our loved ones." The funding for union training and the new tax credit are part of a suite of budget measures Zerucelli announced on Monday, about a week before Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is set to table its first budget on Nov. 4. Carney has indicated Canadians should prepare for “sacrifices” from the upcoming budget, which is expected to include a climate competitiveness strategy, a new immigration plan and an international talent-attraction strategy. Also among the announced measures is an investment of $97 million over five years to create a fund to help recognize foreign credentials and new restrictions on non-compete agreements in employment contracts for federally regulated businesses.
