B.C. inks apprenticeship mobility deal with N.B.

CHARLOTTETOWN—In an attempt to fill skilled labour shortages, apprentices in B.C. and New Brunswick will soon be able to seamlessly work in either province to achieve Red Seal trade certification, and move freely between the two provinces to take advantage of job offers.

The new apprentice strategy will start in fall 2014, aiming to reduce red tape between different provincial apprenticeship certification requirements, and allowing employers, particularly those with operations in multiple Canadian jurisdictions, to employ apprentices from other parts of Canada to meet short-term labour needs.

“B.C. is entering a time of incredible opportunity, not only for British Columbians but for all Canadians,” said B.C. Premier Christy Clark, as she signed the agreement at the Council of the Federation meeting on Aug. 28 in Charlottetown, PEI. “In addition to meeting the needs of employers and apprentices in B.C. and New Brunswick, this agreement will complement the work our province is leading with other provinces and territories to improve labour mobility across the country,” she added.

New Brunswick Premier David Alward noted the perfect timing of the agreement for “emerging opportunities in the construction, oil and gas and forestry sectors on the horizon,” particularly as B.C. revs up for a massive venture into the liquefied natural gas market.

The premiers also hinted that the new agreement may help pave the way for the development of a national apprenticeship mobility strategy.