Ontario Invests $8.7 Million to Train Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Workers for In-Demand Jobs

OTTAWA — The Ontario government is committing more than $8.7 million through its Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to help over 1,500 people in Ottawa and across eastern Ontario secure good-paying jobs in high-demand fields such as construction, manufacturing, skilled trades, automotive, and emerging green sectors.

Premier Doug Ford made the announcement at UA Local 71 in Ottawa, which will receive $773,900 to strengthen mental health supports for skilled trades workers. The program aims to equip participants with the tools to recognize and address mental health challenges in workplaces, an issue of growing importance across the trades.

“In the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty, we’re making sure workers in Ottawa and eastern Ontario have the support they need to find good-paying, rewarding jobs,” said Premier Ford. “The projects we’re launching will help jobseekers train for in-demand careers so they can find meaningful work close to home and ensure the region is prepared for whatever challenges come our way.”

I was in Ottawa this afternoon to announce more than $8.7 million in funding to train more than 1,500 local workers for good-paying jobs in the skilled trades.

In the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty, we’re investing to support Ontario workers. Find out more:… pic.twitter.com/xf9pj4m63D

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) September 22, 2025

Funding Highlights

The investment will support a wide range of training programs across the region:

• All Pro Electrical Inc. – $2,975,200 for electrical trade training using modern tools, active projects, and hands-on learning.

• Canada Safety Council – $1 million for scenario-based training for drivers of four specialty vehicle types, critical for sectors like health care and construction.

• Canadian Marine Careers Foundation – $672,735 to prepare workers for high-demand seafarer careers aboard Great Lakes–St. Lawrence vessels.

• John Howard Society of Ottawa – $157,252 to connect underrepresented jobseekers with skilled trades training, certifications, and wraparound employment supports.

• Mining Industry Human Resources Council – $1,533,200 for a training program combining online modules, VR simulations, and paid placements.

• YMCA of the National Capital Region – $984,796 for green construction and home renovation training with hands-on placements and career supports.

• Project Learning Tree – $556,000 to help youth from underrepresented communities pursue careers in forestry and manufacturing.

Building Ontario’s Workforce

David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, emphasized that the investment will help address labour gaps while strengthening Ontario’s competitiveness.

“By investing in the skilled workers of tomorrow, we are supporting businesses in the Ottawa region for years to come and ensuring more jobseekers land good, well-paying jobs in the face of U.S. tariffs,” said Piccini.

Since launching in 2021, Ontario’s SDF has supported more than one million workers through training programs. The 2025 Budget expanded the fund with an additional $1 billion investment, bringing the total to $2.5 billion over three years.

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