Province Investing $100 Million in Job Training to Protect Ontario Workers
January 27, 2025
Latest Skills Development Fund investment will support workers in the face of tariff threats
The Ontario government is stepping up to protect Ontario workers in the face of potential American tariffs on Canadian goods by investing an additional $100 million in the province’s Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream, bringing the total provincial investment in SDF to $1.5 billion. This investment will support workers in fields including manufacturing, construction, critical mineral extraction and other skilled trades, providing them with the skills and training they need to secure better jobs and bigger paycheques while protecting Ontario’s economy.
“Under Premier Ford, we have made unprecedented investments in our incredible workers, and today’s investment builds on that record,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We will defend our achievements against economic threats and build up an even stronger and more resilient Ontario. By investing in training, we stand with Ontario businesses, workers, families, unions, and communities.”
The Ontario and U.S. economies are highly integrated with nearly one in five Ontario jobs dependent on trade with our southern neighbour, and approximately $400 billion in merchandise traveling between the two jurisdictions every year. The Ontario government’s new investment in the Skills Development Fund will help Ontario businesses remain competitive, and ensure workers gain in-demand skills and practical, hands-on experience to adapt and succeed in a rapidly changing global labour market.
“The Ontario Forest Industries Association welcomes additional investment in the Skills Development Fund,” said Ian Dunn, President & CEO, Ontario Forest Industries Association. “This commitment will help ensure workers in Ontario’s forestry sector—and across the province—are equipped with the skills and training needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market. By investing in our forestry workforce, Premier Ford’s government is strengthening our economy and supporting industries that are vital to Ontario’s growth and resilience.”
Following the up to $260 million call for proposals for the SDF Training Stream announced in July 2024, the Ontario government received applications totalling over $1.1 billion. The additional $100 million investment announced today will fund more projects than originally planned to support major industries and sectors expected to grow or face pressures from potential U.S. tariffs.
Premier Ford’s government is supporting the training of over one million local workers for in-demand careers in every corner of the province by investing up to $1.5 billion through the Skills Development Fund Training and Capital Streams since 2021. As Ontario continues to grow, the Skills Development Fund will help ensure skilled workers are trained and ready to enter rewarding careers in priority sectors across the province.
Quick Facts
- More than 500,000 workers are expected to be needed to fill job openings in skilled trades-related occupations in Ontario over the next decade.
- The Training Stream of the SDF is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
- On January 16, the Ontario government outlined the forthcoming Am-Can Growth Plan, which will leverage Ontario’s unique advantages to power economic growth, including the province’s historic investments in skills training, clean energy and resource development, along with a competitive business environment. The province has lowered the cost of doing business by $8 billion every year by reducing premiums, cutting taxes and cutting government red tape.
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