November 7, 2011 – The Trade School Initiative, a project to help students become tradespersons in the construction and renovation industry, launched in New Brunswick, Ontario and British Columbia. Provincial and federal officials marked the occasion while visiting the College communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick, Dieppe campus.

“This initiative is a unique gateway to government information and resources developed exclusively for trade students,” said post-secondary education, training and labour minister Martine Coulombe. “I encourage all students to make use of this essential business tool.”

This federal-provincial-territorial educational pilot project provides relevant information about tax credits and financial resources, such as the tradesperson’s deduction for tools, the apprenticeship incentive grant, and the apprenticeship completion grant.

“Our government believes in equipping the entrepreneurs of tomorrow with the tools they need to succeed,” said Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Robert Goguen. “This initiative will help them be fiscally responsible—adopting good business practices—as they embark on their career in the trades. It is important to educate students about their tax entitlements and responsibilities as well as the pitfalls of participating in the underground economy.”

Goguen, who is also parliamentary secretary to the minister of justice, was representing national revenue minister Gail Shea.

The information and a resource-based website, TradeLinks.ca, have links to career opportunities, bookkeeping, employee rights and employer responsibilities. Other provinces and territories may participate in this initiative in the future.

“TradeLinks.ca is a student’s next step on the journey to becoming a reputable business person or to successful employment,” said Liane Roy, president and CEO, College communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick.

“This is a great tool for student success and leadership,” said Marilyn Luscombe, president and CEO, New Brunswick Community College. “For those who are serious about entrepreneurship in the construction and renovation industry, TradeLinks.ca is a necessity.”