Ontario and Canada Investing More Than $228 Million to Protect Workers and Key Industries

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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.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"Ontario's workforce is among the most talented and highly sought after in the world, with deep capabilities across the steel, manufacturing, lumber and automotive industries. As global supply chains undergo unprecedented realignment, the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response will equip workers with the skills and resources necessary to build a more competitive, resilient and prosperous economy."

- Vic Fedeli
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing

"We must stand together to protect the workers who depend on the good paying jobs in Ontario's forestry sector. The support provided through the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response will give workers the training and skills needed to build a more competitive, resilient forestry sector that can stand up to changing markets and trade uncertainties."

- Mike Harris
Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga

"Workers in Ontario's forest sector are facing real pressure from global tariffs and market shifts. By working together, our federal and provincial governments are ensuring forestry workers can access the training and employment supports they need to adapt, stay competitive and protect northern Ontario communities."

- Kevin Holland
Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products and Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay

"Steelworkers know that global tariffs and economic uncertainty can put good union jobs at risk and create real challenges for working families and communities. Investments like the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response are important to ensure workers have access to the training and support they need to protect jobs, strengthen our industries, and build a more resilient workforce."

- Kevon Stewart
USW District 6 Director for Ontario & Atlantic Canada

"We are thrilled that the Governments of Canada and Ontario have launched the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response initiative. Programs that help retrain laid off workers and upskill those currently employed in sectors under pressure is exactly what is needed right now. When tariffs are causing layoffs and undermining new investment, and when workforce disruptions occur due to these tariffs or due to the adoption of new technologies, reinvesting in one of Canada's and Ontario's great competitive advantages, our skilled workforce, is just smart public policy."

- Ken Delaney
Executive Director, CSTEC

"We welcome this announcement from Ministers Hajdu and Piccini. Algoma Steel, like many companies in the steel sector, is navigating a challenging and uncertain trade and market environment. The support being provided by the Governments of Canada and Ontario for affected workers is welcome and will help workers and communities during this period."

- Rajat Marwah
CEO, Algoma Steel

"The Canada Ontario Workforce Tariff Response initiative will provide support to workers and industries affected by softwood lumber tariffs and help to stabilize sectors that are vital to Ontario's economy. By strengthening workforce skills and professional development, this program will contribute to a resilient, knowledgeable, and future ready forestry profession across the province."

- Brandon Williamson
Associate R.P.F., President, Ontario Professional Foresters Association

"The government's dedication to a healthy and resilient workforce in an acutely troubled time helps employers navigate unprecedented trade disputes with greater confidence. The best result for all of us is to rebuild a more dynamic economy so we get through this with collective momentum."

- Flavio Volpe
C.M.,President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association

"The launch of Skills Advance Ontario is a decisive step forward by the federal and provincial governments to shield Ontario's auto industry from costly and harmful American tariffs. This initiative will help close the skilled labour shortage facing Ontario's new car and truck retailers and provide well-paying careers for the next generation of automotive technicians."

- Todd Bourgon
CEO, Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario

"The Canadian Association of Mold Makers strongly welcomes this timely and strategic investment in Ontario's workforce. As global trade pressures continue to impact key sectors, direct support for workers, skills development, and employer-led partnerships is critical to protecting jobs, strengthening our industrial base, and ensuring Ontario and Canada remain competitive, resilient, and ready for the future."

- Nicole Vlanich
Executive Director, Canadian Association of Moldmakers

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