Thanks, Chair.
Thanks to all the witnesses for being here today.
This is a very important conversation. I know that the spring economic update implementation act has lots in it that's interesting. I'm particularly focused on all of the infrastructure, housing and defence capabilities we're building across the country.
I come from the Durham region, just outside of Toronto, where we've announced a major project of the first of four small modular reactors at Darlington. It's great news, because it comes with 18,000 construction jobs. I really value the work of our tradespeople. At one time, I was a stonemason. I was never Red Seal certified, but I did that for nine years to put myself through university. I really value the hard work of the men and women across the country who will help us build up the country in ways that we really need right now. The government has really made this a priority.
We've heard from members opposite in opposition parties who don't like it when governments are in situations where we need to stimulate investment in the economy and we need to add certainty when there is this cloud of uncertainty that's not within our control. We've chosen to do what the International Monetary Fund has actually recommended, which is that Canada use its fiscal capacity to stimulate growth strategically in industries where we have a strategic advantage and where we know it aligns with what the general public wants to see. Then there are the jobs it creates—the livelihoods, the careers, the good-paying jobs, the good-paying union jobs.
I want to ask Mr. Olsen from LiUNA about the labour mobility tax deduction and the major investments in skilled trades that are in the spring economic update and that I think are so valuable. I have Durham College in my riding as well. They have a skilled trades innovation centre and a training centre. They just added 650 new spots for skilled trades trainees. I'm very proud of our region and proud to see many more young people get opportunities in the skilled trades.
Mr. Olsen, maybe I'll hand it to you for some comments.