ONTARIO NEWS RELEASE: Ontario Investing Over $23 Million to Protect Workers in Mississauga

MISSISSAUGA — Today, Premier Doug Ford announced that the Ontario government is investing over $23 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to help more than 4,200 people in Mississauga and surrounding areas prepare for good-paying jobs in high-demand sectors including construction, health care, transportation, manufacturing, aerospace and the skilled trades.

“With President Trump’s tariffs taking direct aim at our economy and workers, we are investing record amounts to protect Ontario workers and keep them on the job,” said Premier Doug Ford. “The investments we are announcing today will help workers get the skills and training they need to succeed and support economic growth here in Mississauga and across the province.”

This funding is part of the government’s $2.5 billion investment through the SDF to protect Ontario workers by giving them the tools they need to land rewarding, good-paying jobs while keeping Ontario competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs. Premier Ford made the announcement at the Ontario Masonry Training Centre in Mississauga, which is receiving $1,112,661 to train workers in brick, stone and masonry trades through flexible, hands-on learning. This project includes training for the development of essential masonry skills to improve the job performance of participants and offers safety training and job search supports.

“These projects are about unlocking the potential of Ontario’s world-class workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Whether you are a young person entering the trades or a health-care worker upgrading your skills, these programs are designed to meet you where you are, bridge your skills gaps and help you succeed. Our government is standing shoulder to shoulder with workers in Mississauga and surrounding areas and partnering with the industries that keep Ontario moving forward.”

Through the SDF, the Ontario government is also partnering with 13 other organizations in Mississauga and surrounding areas to deliver training programs in sectors affected by U.S. tariffs and policies:

• Achēv is receiving $677,863 to provide 132 participants (including women and recent immigrants) entering senior care roles with accelerated training and employment supports, and $509,772 for the EY-FiT (Empowering Youth-Futures in Trades) Project to train 30 youth in the machinist and millwright trades in partnership with Humber College.
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association of Ontario is receiving $2,499,967 to train and upskill 177 participants and engage 1,500 youth in aerospace careers through hands-on modules in advanced composites and aircraft assembly.
• Bothwell-Accurate Inc. is receiving $2.5 million to train and upskill 235 construction workers in trades, safety, equipment operation and managerial training across Mississauga and Toronto.
• Canadian Association of Women in Construction is receiving $460,000 to provide 100 women in the construction industry with targeted training and resources.
• Canadian Flatbeds Ltd. is receiving $600,000 to provide 150 truck drivers in Milton with simulator-based safety and cargo handling training, improving road safety and operational efficiency.
• Closing the Gap Healthcare Group Inc. is receiving $2,417,945 to train 125 participants, primarily from underrepresented groups, for in-demand careers in home and community care through the Home Support Worker program, which includes paid clinical placements and guaranteed employment following successful completion.
• Concrete Ontario is receiving $149,800 to develop standardized training materials for concrete delivery professionals, which include safety, environmental practices and low-carbon techniques, with a focus on increasing participation from women, youth and Indigenous peoples.
• National Electrical Trade Council (NETCO) is receiving $2,889,720 to train and upskill 550 apprentices and journeypersons in advanced electrical trades using modern technology and virtual reality.
• Ontario Electrical Industry Training Trust Fund is receiving $2,655,275 to train 95 participants in the Network Cabling Specialist trade through classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training.
• Ontario Harness Horse Association is receiving $2,367,000 to train 160 participants for in-demand careers in the equine industry.
• Ontario Road Builders’ Association is receiving $1,834,450 to provide 200 participants with training to enhance workforce readiness and upskilling for careers in road construction and infrastructure, followed by paid job placements.
• Pinball Clemons Foundation is receiving $1,616,000 to support 200 youth through mentorship, micro-credential training and job placements following graduation.
• Sovereign Construction Management Limited is receiving $750,000 to provide 500 participants with hands-on training and job placement support in careers that include construction, civil engineering, transport and heavy equipment operation.

Since its launch in 2021, Ontario has invested $1.5 billion through the SDF Training Stream and Capital Stream to help train more than one million workers for in-demand careers. As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the government is investing nearly $1 billion more through the Skills Development Fund over the next three years, bringing the total to $2.5 billion, to support key industrial sectors and help train even more workers.