HAMILTON, Ont. V Conservative leader and Leader of the Opposition, Stephen Harper said today that a Conservative government will tackle Canadas shortage of skilled trades by providing financial incentives to workers, and to employers who hire apprentices.

We know that Canada is desperately short of skilled trades persons but the Liberal record has been all talk and no action, said Harper. It is past time to take the action needed to ensure there are enough skilled workers who are vital to building Canada.

There are as many as 20,000 skilled trades positions that cant be filled today and that number is expected to rise to 50,000 by the end of the decade. The Conservative plan will address this in three ways by providing:

h A $1000 Apprentice Incentive Grant to help new apprentices cover the high costs of tools, boots and work accessories;
h An Apprentice Job Creation Tax Credit for businesses to help create more apprenticeship positions; and
h A Tools Tax Deduction of up to $500 for tools to be available to all trades people – whether employees or self-employed.
These incentives are important to helping stem the increasing shortage of trades workers which is having a negative effect on the Canadian economy, said Harper. At the same time the Conservative plan sends a message to young people that trades skills are as valued as university education and present an opportunity to engage in a meaningful, well-paying and enjoyable career.