Canada Budget 2026: up to $10,000 for hiring first-year apprentices, aims for 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers by 2031
Key points
- Team Canada Strong aims to add up to 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers by 2031
- Employers can receive up to $10,000 for hiring a first-year apprentice
- Proposed temporary increase in minimum regular EI weeks for full-time apprentices from 14 to 18, from 2027–28, estimated at $5 million over four years
Canada's federal government tabled Budget 2026 on Thursday. Its Team Canada Strong plan aims to recruit, train and hire up to 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers by 2031. Employers that hire a first-year apprentice in an eligible Red Seal trade can receive up to $10,000 through the new Build Canada Apprenticeship Service. The budget also states the government's intention to amend the Employment Insurance Act to temporarily raise the minimum number of regular EI benefit weeks for full-time apprentices from 14 to 18, starting in 2027–28. The measure is estimated to cost $5 million over four years.
What employers should do
- Check whether first-year Red Seal apprentice roles may qualify for Build Canada Apprenticeship Service support
- Monitor amendments to the EI Act and their effective dates
Policy details
- Jurisdiction
- Canada
- Status
- Proposed rule
- Effective date
- —
- Employers covered
- Employers hiring first-year apprentices in Red Seal trades
- Official source
- View official source ↗
Original report: Human Resources Director ↗Edited with AI assistance. Facts are based on official sources and original reports. For information only; not legal, immigration or insurance advice.