For years, policymakers have warned that Canada’s widening skills gap, the gulf between what workers know and what employers need, could slow the country’s growth. But new evidence suggests that businesses are no longer waiting for government to close that gap. According to a recent survey by Morneau
by Minh Dang
Recent guidance from the Canada Revenue Agency has clarified the conditions under which T4A slips must be issued for contractor payments and other non-employment income. The clarification reaffirms that certain incorporated or independent contractors providing services may still fall within T4A reporting requirements. The announcement is significant for staffing and
by Minh Dang
As of October 1, several provinces raised their minimum wages, including Ontario to $17.60 and Nova Scotia to $16.50. These adjustments, though modest, are expected to have broad effects on sectors reliant on entry-level and hourly work such as retail, warehousing, and hospitality. The increases will likely trigger
by Minh Dang
In a recent announcement, the federal government revealed that Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) applications have declined sharply: roughly 50 percent overall, with a 70 percent drop in the low-wage stream. Alongside the drop, enforcement has intensified: in 2024–25, over 1,400 employer compliance inspections took place, penalties more
by Minh Dang
In Halifax this week, Nova Scotia’s government announced what might look like a minor regulatory adjustment: it will no longer require most skilled tradespeople to renew their certifications every five years, and it has nearly halved the cost of challenge exams for experienced workers who want to become certified
by Minh Dang
On October 9, 2025, Canada’s federal government launched its fourth call for proposals under the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, making up to $20 million available to strengthen capacity, infrastructure, and programming in Black-led and Black-serving non-profit organizations across the country. From the government’s perspective, this is more
by Minh Dang
The federal government has rolled out a new plan to “build a strong and confident workforce,” promising to reshape how Canadians acquire and update their skills for the jobs of tomorrow. Announced in early October 2025, the initiative brings a mix of federal funding, cross-sector partnerships, and targeted supports for
by Minh Dang
August 2025 marks a turning point in Canada’s approach to the skilled trades. Under mounting pressure to accelerate net-zero construction, reduce labour bottlenecks, and modernize its workforce, the federal government has pledged nearly $10 million toward targeted training programs for tradespeople. The move suggests a bet that upgrading the
by Minh Dang