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DARTMOUTH, N.S. — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the creation of a new advisory committee to help promote apprenticeships and skilled trades across Canada.

The announcement was made Aug. 16 in Nova Scotia. The advisory committee will lay the groundwork for a national campaign to encourage apprenticeships and promote the skilled trades as a career of choice, indicates a government release, adding it will lead consultations, explore partnerships and provide advice to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour.

The advisory committee currently includes the following members, with further announcements to come:

• Mandy Rennehan, founder and CEO of Freshco;
• Jamie McMillan, ironworker and founder of KickAss Careers; and
• Matt Wayland, executive assistant to the international vice-president and Canadian director of government relations for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

In Budget 2019, the federal government announced funding to help more people — including women, young people and underrepresented groups — pursue a career in the skilled trades.

“Canadians count on tradespeople every day. They power our industries, keep our vehicles and public transit moving, and build the places we call home. By promoting in-demand careers in the trades, we can help more young people find good, well-paying jobs,” said Trudeau in the statement.

“The skilled trades offer well-paying, middle-class jobs but many young people never consider this as a first choice,” said Patty Hadju, minister of employment, workforce development and labour, in the statement.