Senior Minister Kamal Khera made the announcement on behalf of the federal jobs minister Wednesday at the Craigflower Community and Performing Arts Centre in Esquimalt, B.C.
The new funding is intended to help small- and medium-sized construction businesses hire at least 2,100 first-year apprentices in red seal trades over the next two years, according to the minister. The program is also intended to help businesses navigate the apprenticeship system and create welcoming and inclusive workplaces for new apprentice workers.
Ottawa says the program will help Canadians who face barriers by providing double the financial incentives to businesses that hire from minority or "equity-deserving" groups.