Federal ministers met with skilled trades unions Thursday to discuss legislation aimed at removing barriers to worker mobility across Canada.
The roundtable discussion in Gatineau, Que., focused on Bill C-5, known as the One Canadian Economy Bill, which would create a framework for recognizing provincial and territorial licenses and certifications at the federal level.
Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu led the meeting alongside Leader of the Government in the House of Commons Steven MacKinnon, Transport and Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland, Industry Minister Melanie Joly, and Secretary of State for Labour John Zerucelli.
Labour groups participate in consultation
Representatives from Canada’s Building Trades Unions, la Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec, and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America attended the session. Officials from Natural Resources Canada and other federal departments also participated.
The proposed legislation would establish standards for recognizing professional credentials across provinces and territories, building on existing efforts by some jurisdictions to improve labour mobility.
Government targets workforce challenges
In a joint statement following the meeting, the ministers said the bill addresses Canada’s need for skilled workers while removing trade barriers between provinces.
“To build Canada strong, we need the strongest workforce in the G7 behind it,” the ministers said. “The One Canadian Economy Bill is landmark legislation, that will break down federal barriers and build a more resilient, adaptable and mobile workforce.”
The government positioned the legislation as part of broader workforce investments, including provincial and territorial labour market agreements, the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, and the Union Training and Innovation Program.
Parliamentary approval sought
The ministers indicated they would work across party lines to pass the legislation, which they described as creating “one united economy – not thirteen.”
The bill aims to complement existing provincial and territorial initiatives while removing what the government calls “obstructive barriers to internal trade.”
The legislation comes as Canada faces skilled labour shortages in several sectors, particularly in construction and skilled trades where interprovincial mobility has historically been limited by varying certification requirements.
