SMART Canada applauds Federal Budget 2025 for major investments in infrastructure and union training programs

November 6, 2025

Home>News>Canada>SMART Canada applauds Federal Budget 2025 for major investments in infrastructure and union training programs

Ottawa, Ont. — November 6, 2025 — SMART Canada welcomes the Government of Canada’s 2025 Federal Budget, which makes historic investments in infrastructure and skilled trades training, bringing major wins for the unionized construction industry across the country.

The federal government has proven its commitment to Canada’s skilled trades workforce by doubling funding for the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) to $75 million over the next three years. This increase fulfills a key campaign promise and highlights the value of union-based apprenticeship training.

Through UTIP, programs like SMART’s Green Training Partnership can exist to deliver sustainable green skills training to members across the country. These investments ensure that our members are ready to lead the way in low-carbon construction and advanced green technologies.

“Canada’s budget emphasizes the role SMART members play in building and protecting communities across Canada,” said Michael Coleman, General President of SMART. “The Canadian federal government has made it a priority to invest in the skilled trades and sustainable construction. It’s my hope that politicians south of the border learn from this approach.”

Budget 2025 includes investments that will strengthen Canada’s economy and create thousands of fulfilling skilled trades careers, including:

  • $51 billion over 10 years through the Build Communities Strong Fund to support provincial and local infrastructure projects.
  • $115 billion over five years for infrastructure in healthcare, transit, and wastewater systems.
  • $25 billion to accelerate homebuilding.
  • $570 million over three years to support training and employment assistance for workers impacted by tariffs.

“This budget recognizes that Canada’s future depends on SMART members, the skilled workforce who build it,” said Jack Wall, Director of Canadian Affairs, SMART Canada. “Doubling UTIP funding and investing in major infrastructure projects means more opportunities for our members to grow their skills, advance their careers, and continue delivering the essential infrastructure that Canadians depend on.”

With extraordinary investments in infrastructure, Budget 2025 lays the foundation for a new era of growth, which will require the craftmanship of SMART Canada members.