Canada opens Union Training and Innovation Program applications
Canada has opened an application period running from October 15, 2026, to December 17, 2026, at 3:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, offering up to $5,000,000 per fiscal year per project through the Union Training and Innovation Program – Innovation stream, canada.ca reported.
Canada Offers Funding to Address Red Seal Apprenticeship Challenges
The funding opportunity provides a maximum of $25,000,000 over a duration of up to 60 months. This financial support targets organizations located and operating in Canada, excluding Quebec, to help address apprenticeship challenges in the Red Seal trades. Funded projects aim to help more people access and succeed in apprenticeships by investing in equipment, reducing barriers, and improving training program operations.
Eligible applicants include unions representing workers in Red Seal trades and organizations managing training funds for these workers, such as joint training funds set up by a union and an employer association. Not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations operating on a non-commercial basis to support program priorities, and provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, agencies, institutions, and Crown Corporations can also apply. Indigenous organizations are also eligible.
Federal Officials Schedule Information Sessions for Applicants
Federal officials scheduled four information sessions to provide an overview of the application process and assist interested applicants. Sessions for French speakers take place on October 27, 2026, at 11:00 am Eastern Daylight Time, and November 19, 2026, at 11:00 am Eastern Standard Time. English sessions run on October 27, 2026, at 1:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time, and November 19, 2026, at 1:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.
Applicants can take part online or by teleconference. Those interested must email EDSC.PFIMS.INNOVATION-INNOVATION.UTIP.ESDC@esdc-edsc@gc.ca to request attendance instructions, specify their preferred language, and state any accommodation requirements.
Evaluation Report Examines Union Training and Innovation Program
An evaluation report published by the Evaluation Directorate, Strategic and Service Policy Branch examined the foundational framework of the Union Training and Innovation Program, according to Government of Canada Publications.
The current innovation stream focuses on proven approaches to reach more tradespeople from diverse backgrounds, promote skilled trades careers, and improve training quality. Unions and their partners are expected to use the funding to attract and recruit new pre-apprentices, support current apprentices toward certification, and help experienced journeypersons build training skills for the next generation.
The application window closes on December 17, 2026. Organizations seeking to secure funding must submit complete application forms and required supporting information before the 3:00 pm EST deadline.