There are a couple of pieces to that. I can certainly speak to the role of ESDC and the sort of efforts we are undertaking with respect skills and employment training for diversity groups.
We recognize that there are additional barriers to the full participation of under-represented Canadians. The work we are undertaking right now and the supports we are providing to workers reflect the desire to provide additional assistance and help them get involved.
First off, the sectoral workforce solutions program was announced in budget 2021 to help key sectors of the economy implement solutions to address their current and emerging workforce needs. One feature here is to support equity-deserving groups by promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and providing wraparound supports such as transportation, accommodations and child care costs to reduce barriers to participation.
Another example would be the apprenticeship service, which helps to promote careers in the skilled trades and which will be investing $470 million beginning in 2021-22 to provide targeted support to employers who hire apprentices.
With respect to this particular program, an additional $5,000 incentive is provided to eligible employers who hire an apprentice from an equity-deserving group.
These are a couple of the examples of where Employment and Social Development Canada is investing in under-represented groups to help them to more fully participate in the labour market.