Liberal leader Mark Carney on Tuesday announced a new training benefit aimed at helping Canadian workers adapt to a “rapidly changing economy” during the US trade war.
At the core of the proposal is a new upskilling and training benefit designed to provide mid-career workers with up to $15,000 in financial support to access new skills training.
Carney promised his plan would boost the Canadian economy under international trade pressures, particularly tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
During a press conference in St-Eustache, Quebec, on Monday, Carney emphasized the need for a resilient and future-ready workforce, and said the Grits are committed to supporting mid-career workers through skills development and retraining.
“To build the fastest growing economy in the G7, we need to have a skilled workforce. That means training and education for all, and for all time,” said Carney.
“Canadians work hard, and if you are committed to learning a new skill to grow in your career, my new Liberal government will be there to support you. Together, we will build the most skilled workforce in the world.”
The benefit targets priority sectors such as manufacturing, health care, construction, artificial intelligence, and technology—areas that Carney says are essential to Canada’s future economic growth.
The Liberals also promise to work directly with employers to ensure workforce retention and training efforts are aligned with evolving business needs. Special attention will be paid to workers affected by global trade instability and tariffs, ensuring they are equipped to transition into secure, well-paying jobs in high-demand fields.
The announcement builds on Carney’s earlier commitment to cover up to $8,000 in apprenticeship training costs for skilled trade workers, reinforcing the Liberals’ broader strategy to expand access to high-paying careers in the trades.
In positioning himself against the economic fallout from recent U.S. trade policies, Carney made clear his government would take a proactive stance.
“A Mark Carney-led government will stand strong against President Trump’s tariffs, create new jobs, cut taxes for the middle class, and build the fastest growing economy in the G7,” the party said in a statement.