Canada is laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient economy. Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced new federal trade and resilience measures focused on upgrading infrastructure and supporting workers across the country. These initiatives aim to strengthen supply chains, boost local economies and create high-quality jobs from coast to coast. The goal is clear: build smarter systems that help Canadian businesses compete, grow and rely less on any single trading partner. To support this transformation, the government has launched a $5 billion Strategic Response Fund to help tariff-exposed firms adapt, diversify and expand. This investment will protect key sectors and open new opportunities for growth. But this isn’t just about concrete and steel. It’s about people. The government is investing $450 million to retrain and upskill 50,000 workers through employer-led programs, wage subsidies and career counselling. Workers affected by global market shifts and U.S. tariffs will get the support they need to stay employed or transition into growing industries. New digital tools are also being introduced to help Canadians find jobs and training faster. A national online platform will connect workers with short courses by skill type and location. AI-powered job matching will make it easier to find roles

Construction Labour Relations Alberta (CLRA) welcomes today’s announcement of the Major Projects Office (MPO), a positive move in advancing critical infrastructure and supporting Canada’s future. The creation of the MPO marks a shift in federal priorities and signals that the government is serious about improving how large-scale projects are approved and delivered. It also highlights the important role Alberta’s construction industry plays in building the infrastructure Canadians rely on. CLRA congratulates Dawn Farrell on her appointment as the MPO’s first Chief Executive Officer. Her leadership and extensive background in Canada’s energy sector make her a strong choice to lead this new office and work with industry to help move important projects forward. “Establishing the MPO in Calgary makes sense and reinforces Alberta’s central role in Canada’s infrastructure strategy. The city is home to a skilled workforce and a strong network of energy and construction expertise. Having the office in Calgary keeps it close to the industries and communities that are driving major development across Canada,“ said CLRA CEO, Joe McFadyen. While this is a strong start, there is still much work to do. The MPO must demonstrate it can fulfill its mandate by cutting delays, coordinating efforts and supporting projects

Starting this fall, CLRA members will be eligible to apply for the new Canada‑Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG), which replaces the former Canada‑Alberta Job Grant. When the original program was cancelled, CLRA strongly advocated for an alternative, voicing our members’ concerns and urging government to reinstate a funding tool to support workforce training needs. We are pleased to see that this advocacy has helped bring forward the CAPG — a program designed to strengthen Alberta’s skilled workforce and improve productivity across our sector. Through the CAPG employers can access funding to: Cover up to 75% of training costs when hiring and training unemployed Albertans Receive up to 50% of training costs when upskilling existing staff Choose from full‑time, part‑time, online, in‑person, or hybrid training formats. Information sessions begin this week – learn more about eligibility, requirements, and how to prepare your application.