More family doctors, skilled trades needed say campaigning federal party leaders

It is day 14 of the federal election campaign, party leaders made announcements across the country promising to tackle the shortage of family doctors, cut government red tape and to support skilled trades.

In front of a group of workers at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793 training centre in Oakville, Liberal leader Mark Carney says he will help Canada’s skilled trades by pledging a new apprenticeship grant.

“We will create an apprenticeship grant of up to $8,000 for registered apprentices.  This removes a key financial barrier for those who want to enter the trades and we will support our unions directly” says Carney.

Carney says the plan will help boost labour mobility between provinces and territories.

In response to a question from CHCH news, Carney said he spoke with the Ford Motor Company’s CEO about the re-opening of its Oakville plant, which is being retooled.

On the west coast of the country is where Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre shared his plans to cut red tape.

“We need a new conservative government that will put Canadian small business and workers first for a change.  I’m announcing that a Conservative government will cut red tape 25% over the next two years” said Poilievre.

Meanwhile, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh was in St. John’s Saturday campaigning.

Singh says if elected, the NDP would ensure all Canadians have access to a family doctor by 2030.

“Our plan is to be able to ensure that everyone in our country has access to a family doctor, that’s our commitment. That’s what we need to see happen”  Singh says.

The leaders are set to square off in a pair of debates, one in French, one in English ,April 16th and 17th respectively.