Businesses welcome the initiative amid a tight labour market
The province of Nova Scotia has announced a new initiative to help employers attract and retain young skilled workers in key sectors.
The initiative, called the More Opportunity for Skilled Trades (MOST) programme, will return the provincial income tax paid of tradespeople under 30 on their first $50,000 of income earned.
It covers tradespeople who are employed and registered as apprentices or certified as journeypersons in the sectors of construction, industrial/manufacturing, motive power, and service.
According to Labour Minister Jill Balser, skilled trades are vital to the province's overall economic growth and offers a rewarding and viable career path.
"Nova Scotia has a lot to offer and we are working with employers to find new ways to retain the workers we have and attract new people in these important careers to the province. That is why I am excited to see the official launch of MOST," said Balser in a statement.
About 7,500 current and new workers in the skilled trades are expected to benefit from the initiative, according to the provincial government, with an average refund of about $2,700.
The programme will take effect for the 2022 income tax year, with the eligible workers to qualify for their refund next year after they file their 2022 income tax return.
MOST is also expected to expand in the future to include additional occupations once needs in the other sectors are identified.
Premier Tim Houston said in his announcement that the initiative is one of the province's concrete actions to fill in the gaps in the labour market.
"Nova Scotia isn't alone in facing gaps in our labour market, but what sets us apart is the concrete actions we are taking to address the problem," he said. "This is an upfront investment in young people that will lead to long-term economic growth."
Businesses welcome MOST
In response, businesses issued warm reception to the latest government initiative and said it will help Nova Scotia become a competitive province for workers.
"Innovative solutions like these tax incentives will help Nova Scotia compete with other regions and attract and retain young workers to good-paying jobs in the construction sector," said Duncan Williams, president and chief executive officer of the Construction Association of Nova Scotia.
The president of Atlantic Canada's largest employer of apprentices Irving Shipbuilding also welcomed MOST, and said it sends a clear message to workers.
"We're hiring and the program announced today by the premier sends a clear message: we want you to grow your career in Nova Scotia," said Kevin Mooney.
