ONTARIO NEWS RELEASE: Ontario and Canada Investing More Than $228 Million to Protect Workers and Key Industries

OTTAWA — The Ontario government is taking further action to protect Ontario workers by expanding training and employment supports for those impacted by tariffs and global trade disruptions. Through a $228.8 million investment from the Government of Canada over the next three years, Ontario will deliver the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response, helping up to 27,000 workers across the province retrain, upgrade their skills and stay competitive in key sectors of the economy, including softwood lumber, steel and automotive manufacturing.

“Ontario’s workers are at the forefront of our economy, and our government will never shy away from helping them when it’s needed,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “As tariffs continue to impact key sectors, we are standing with the workers and communities feeling these pressures the most. Through this funding, we’re helping workers retrain, upgrade their skills and move into new opportunities so they can continue to work, thrive and support their families while keeping Ontario strong, competitive and resilient.”

As part of this initiative, Ontario will deliver targeted programs through Skills Advance Ontario (SAO), which helps workers stay employed, upgrade their skills and move into new in-demand jobs, while helping employers retain experienced staff during periods of economic uncertainty. In addition, SAO will support workforce development in high‑growth sectors such as health care, skilled trades, energy and natural resources.

A wide range of workers and employers will be eligible, including laid-off and unemployed workers seeking new skills for in-demand jobs, employees whose workplaces are participating in Employment Insurance (EI) work‑sharing agreements and workers who need additional skills training to adapt and stay competitive within companies directly impacted by tariffs, or within communities that rely heavily on those industries.

“Canada’s workforce is strongest when employers and training partners work together. As global trade evolves, no worker will be left behind,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. “Through the Workforce Tariff Response, that means providing the tools and training workers need to secure good jobs, continue building strong communities, and ensure Canada remains resilient in the face of global challenges.”

Applications for the Skills Advance Ontario program are open and will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Employers and employment and training service providers can submit their project proposals at https://www.ontario.ca/page/skills-advance-ontario-sao. Workers and jobseekers interested in the program are encouraged to contact participating employers and service providers or Employment Ontario directly.

Ontario continues to take decisive action to protect workers, businesses and communities in the face of global trade disruptions. By investing in skills training and helping employers retain experienced staff, the province is strengthening key industries and building a stronger, more competitive and resilient economy that can create good-paying jobs for generations to come.