The Canadian federal government recently announced the inclusion of cooks and bakers among the Red Seal trades as part of a $6 billion nationwide effort to recruit, train, and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal skilled trades workers in the next five years.
“The Spring Economic Update 2026 builds on the momentum of our budget, combining strategic investments with sustained fiscal discipline to keep building Canada strong for all – delivering prosperity today and strengthening our economy for tomorrow,” said The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue. “At this pivotal moment in Canada’s history, we’re charting a course through the fog of uncertainty and global headwinds with strength, determination, and ambition – and building one strong Canadian economy, by Canadians, for Canadians.”
The inclusion comes as a direct response to Restaurants Canada’s Workforce Campaign, an advocacy initiative addressing labour challenges facing our industry, including in the skilled trades.
This Team Canada Strong initiative was included in the federal Spring Economic Update and the funding will include:
- $2 billion for young Canadians with paid, job-ready placements that lead directly into registered apprenticeships.
- $331 million in funding over five years for apprenticeship training to expedite Red Seal certification.
- $3.4 billion over five years to address the challenges in completing that can stop apprenticeship training and moving into permanent jobs.
- An Apprenticeship Training Grant will provide a $400 weekly top-up while apprentices attend mandatory in-class technical training.
- Increases to Canada Student Grants and interest-free Canada Student Loans into 2026-27.
“As workers and young Canadians are working towards their future in difficult times, they will not be left behind,” said The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. “By helping people start their careers in the skilled trades sooner, we are removing barriers to training and opening the door to meaningful, well-paid opportunities that help build Canada’s future.”
