Ontario Launches $11 Million WELL Fund to Support Women’s Careers and Human Trafficking Survivors
Ontario WELL Fund supports women’s economic leadership and recovery pathways
NEWMARKET — The Ontario government is investing $11 million over two years through a new Women’s Economic Leadership and Legacy (WELL) Fund aimed at helping women build careers in high-demand sectors while supporting survivors of human trafficking with education, training and employment opportunities.
Announced May 19 by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, the initiative includes two funding streams focused on workforce advancement and survivor recovery support.
“As our government continues to protect Ontario workers and our economy, we are ensuring more women have the opportunity to succeed in rewarding, good-paying careers,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity.
Funding targeted at skills development and recovery support
The province says the WELL Fund will support 12 projects in its first year through a $5.5 million investment. Programs are designed to help women gain leadership skills, improve economic independence and access opportunities in sectors including:
- Clean energy
- Construction
- Technology and entrepreneurship
The anti-human trafficking stream focuses on helping survivors rebuild their lives through trauma-informed education, peer support and employment pathways.
Ontario’s new Women’s Economic Leadership and Legacy (WELL) Fund is supporting 12 projects across the province with a $5.5 million investment in its first year. pic.twitter.com/yj38imxu72
— AntiHumanTrafficking (@StopTrafficking) May 19, 2026
Investments across Ontario
Among the projects receiving funding:
- BridgeNorth Women’s Mentorship and Advocacy Services in Newmarket will receive $724,272 to help young survivors of human trafficking gain workplace and professional skills through a paid job-readiness program.
- Huronia Transition Homes in Midland will receive $745,000 for wellness, education and financial literacy programming for survivors.
- The Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario will receive $314,977 to support women in the skilled trades through leadership programming and Anti-Discrimination Anti-Harassment (ADAH) training.
- The Firehood will receive $360,000 to deliver leadership, AI and cybersecurity training for women in Toronto and the GTA, including Indigenous women.
Building long-term economic independence
Officials say the initiative is intended to increase women’s participation and leadership in industries facing labour shortages while also addressing barriers faced by vulnerable populations.
“Empowering women to build skills and gain financial independence is part of our government’s plan to protect Ontario and build the strong workforce we need,” said Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa.
The province says the WELL Fund complements broader investments already underway, including:
- $41 million over three years for women’s economic opportunity programs
- $1.4 billion over four years through Ontario’s action plan to end gender-based violence
- $345 million over five years under Ontario’s renewed Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy
Community organizations welcome support
Local organizations involved in the initiative say the funding will help create more sustainable pathways toward independence and recovery.
Karen Todd, Executive Director of BridgeNorth Women’s Mentorship and Advocacy Services, said stable employment is a critical part of long-term recovery for survivors of exploitation.
“Elevate will provide a much-needed next phase of recovery for youth who have exited trafficking and are ready to begin the process of finding stable and meaningful employment,” Todd said.
The province says the WELL Fund is part of its broader effort to strengthen Ontario’s workforce while supporting women and survivors through accessible, community-led programming.
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