NDP Trading in Dishonesty on Trades and Apprentices

April 27, 2009

Today Carole James took her tour of dishonesty to Surrey where she spread misinformation about trades and apprentices in B.C.  The NDP claim they support apprentices but let’s look at the real record:

• Today there are 47,000 registered apprentices in B.C. – nearly triple the number registered in 2001.
• The BC Liberals have increased funding for trades training by 42 per cent since 2001.  The NDP voted against every increase.
• The BC Liberals created the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement so that skilled workers can have their credentials recognized in other provinces and can work freely in B.C. or Alberta.  Carole James and the NDP voted against the agreement and continue to oppose breaking down barriers that restrict skilled workers.
• The BC Liberals introduced the $90-million B.C. Training Tax Credit to help employers and apprentices cover the cost of their training.  The NDP voted against this program.
• The BC Liberal platform commits to double the B.C. Training Tax Credit program, creating an even greater incentive for employers to bring on and train more apprentices.  The NDP Platform only commits to strike a task force, without providing any tangible support for apprentices.
  

The BC Liberals have taken real action to support apprentices – increasing training opportunities, expanding recognition of credentials and delivering new supports for both employers and apprentices.  The NDP have opposed every measure taken, and their only answer now is to strike a task force. The biggest difference between the BC Liberal plan and the NDP plan is that under the BC Liberals apprentices will actually be able to find a job.