As we step into the new year, CLRA is proud to support the continued success of Helmets to Hardhats in connecting Canada’s military community to purposeful careers in the skilled trades. In 2024, we saw remarkable progress as Helmets to Hardhats expanded its outreach and enhanced its programs to better serve Veterans, transitioning service members, and military families. With their ongoing efforts, they engaged future leaders at Cadet camps, launched new initiatives in Indigenous communities, and rolled out additional training programs to prepare individuals for a variety of trades roles. Thanks to new funding in Ontario and Alberta, Helmets to Hardhats continues to play a critical role in bridging the gap between the military community and unionized construction careers. In 2024, Helmets to Hardhats registered 364 Veterans, 55 employers, 29 dependents, and 15 Afghan refugees, issuing 381 referrals to connect them with new opportunities. They also hosted a memorable Veterans and Industry Appreciation Day at Woodbine Racetrack, bringing together Veterans, industry leaders, and other partners to celebrate the impact of their work. In addition, they continued providing free safety training to H2H clients in Ontario and have upcoming plans to expand this service into Alberta, helping even more Veterans transition

The provinces have long played a vital role in shaping immigration policy in Canada, but changes are afoot. Recent federal cuts to immigration levels – as outlined in the 2025-27 Immigration Levels Plan – have placed a disproportionate burden on provinces by reducing their involvement in immigration through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), an organization that allows Canadian provinces to annually select immigrants based on their unique economic and labour market needs. This is the topic examined in the Business Council of Alberta’s latest report on immigration policy, one that resonates with CLRA and our advocacy work. The number of immigrants in the skilled trades in Canada surged in the late 2000s and early 2010s as the immigration selection system responded to the growing demand for skilled tradespeople. In fact, in the years following their admission, immigrated tradespeople experienced significantly higher employment rates than their non-trades peers. With the construction sector presently grappling with the skilled labour shortage and waves of retirements, it’s clear that the need for tradespeople – both new and native to Canada – is still high. The BCA report shares that several of the occupations and industries prioritized by the federal government – including the skilled

To help address the rising demand for skilled tradespeople, the Alberta government is investing even more in trades education. The CLRA is pleased to hear that the GoA has recently committed $1.5 million over three years to support Trade Winds to Success, an Indigenous-led non-profit that has helped over 3,000 Indigenous students pursue careers in the skilled trades since 2005. This funding will help Trade Winds to Success continue offering valuable training programs; their Residential Construction Program is one such example, where students receive foundational training and hands-on experience in constructing eco-smart homes in Indigenous communities. Upon completion, students gain hours toward their first-year apprenticeship in Alberta’s carpenter program, guiding them toward successful, long-term careers in the trades. Over 150 participants are expected to enroll in this program over the next three years. For Trade Winds to Success, this funding is seen as an important step in reconciliation. It provides the organization with the resources needed to continue advocating for Indigenous student success in the workforce. With the backing of Alberta’s government, the program will help meet the province’s growing need for skilled labour while offering Indigenous students the tools to build lasting careers and contribute to their communities and