Skilled trades play a vital role in a knowledge-based economy and are essential to maintain Canada’s competitive position. The Government of Canada and immigration department developed Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) in 2013 to address the growing shortage of skilled trade workers in areas that were experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing strength of the economy. The economic immigration program was developed at the request of Canadian businesses and employers who were struggling to find enough skilled trade workers to help them complete their work on time.