The Ontario government has announced an investment of over $8.7 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to support more than 1,500 jobseekers in Ottawa and eastern Ontario. The funding aims to prepare workers for high-demand sectors such as construction, manufacturing, skilled trades, and automotive, while also equipping them with the skills needed to adapt to economic challenges, including U.S. tariffs. Premier Doug Ford emphasized that the initiative will help residents access meaningful, well-paying jobs close to home, strengthening the local workforce and ensuring regional economic resilience.
The investment is part of a broader $2.5 billion commitment through the SDF, which has already trained over one million workers since its launch in 2021. As part of the initiative, UA Local 71 in Ottawa received $773,900 to implement mental health supports tailored for skilled trades workers, while other organizations across the region are receiving targeted funding to deliver specialized training programs. These programs include electrical trade training, marine career preparation, driver safety for specialty vehicles, inclusive training for underrepresented groups, mining skills development with VR simulations, and green construction and forestry sector programs.
Key recipients include All Pro Electrical Inc. ($2.97 million), Canada Safety Council ($1 million), Canadian Marine Careers Foundation ($672,735), John Howard Society of Ottawa ($157,252), Mining Industry Human Resources Council ($1.53 million), YMCA of the National Capital Region ($984,796), and Project Learning Tree Canada ($556,000). These programs combine hands-on experience, paid placements, mentorship, and wraparound supports to ensure participants gain practical skills and long-term career opportunities.
The funding also addresses labour shortages in critical sectors affected by economic pressures and tariffs. By investing in training and safety, Ontario aims to strengthen workforce readiness and resilience while providing equitable access to opportunities for underrepresented communities. Local leaders, including Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and sector representatives, highlighted the positive impact of these investments on workforce development, skill-building, and long-term economic growth.
Ontario continues to encourage organizations to apply for SDF funding, with recent calls for proposals totaling $260 million. Supported through both federal-provincial labour market agreements and provincial funds, the SDF represents a strategic investment in developing the skilled workforce needed to maintain Ontario’s competitiveness and secure well-paying jobs for its residents in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty.
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