Ontario Investing Over $23 Million to Protect Workers in Mississauga
August 27, 2025
Skills Development Fund will train more than 4,200 workers for in-demand jobs in the face of U.S. tariffs
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.
Quick Facts
- People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
- On July 29, the Ontario government launched a new call for project proposals for the SDF Training Stream totaling $260 million. Interested organizations can visit the SDF Training Stream website and have until October 1 to apply.
- The SDF Training Stream rounds 1 to 5 are supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. SDF Training Round 6 is supported exclusively by the Government of Ontario.
- On August 20, the Ontario government announced a $70 million investment to support the Protect Ontario Workers Employment Response (POWER) Centres and enhance Better Jobs Ontario (BJO). These changes will help train and upskill jobseekers and workers affected by U.S. tariffs, so that they can secure better jobs with bigger paycheques.
Quotes
“Local organizations in Mississauga—Malton are preparing people for rewarding jobs in health care, construction and the skilled trades. That’s why our government is investing $23 million through the Skills Development Fund to support workers and jobseekers in Mississauga and surrounding areas. Every time we help workers achieve their goals, we are strengthening families and building a stronger Ontario.”
– Deepak Anand
MPP for Mississauga—Malton
“Mississauga is home to some of the most talented and hardworking people in our province and a hub for many key sectors. Under Premier Ford and Minister Piccini’s leadership, we’re protecting Ontario’s future by investing in local workers, safeguarding good jobs and ensuring our industries have the skills they need to grow — strengthening families, communities and our province for years to come.”
– Sheref Sabawy
MPP for Mississauga—Erin Mills
“By supporting local training programs across health care, skilled trades, aerospace and more, we’re opening doors for over 4,200 people to launch meaningful, well-paying careers. The Ontario government is partnering with 14 organizations to help sectors affected by U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty. These projects don’t just strengthen our workforce — they build stronger, more resilient communities right here in Mississauga.”
– Nina Tangri
MPP for Mississauga—Streetsville
“U.S. tariffs won’t hold Mississauga and Ontario back. We are home to some of the hardest working people in the province and with this investment, our workers will get the training they need to protect their jobs, grow their paycheques and stay competitive. I am proud to be part of a government that is committed to supporting the incredible talent we have in our community.”
– Silvia Gualtieri
MPP for Mississauga East—Cooksville
“This $23 million investment through the Skills Development Fund is a game changer for workers and jobseekers in Mississauga. By providing hands-on training in sectors like health care, construction and advanced manufacturing, we are equipping people with the tools they need to succeed in high-demand careers.”
– Natalia Kusendova-Bashta
MPP for Mississauga Centre
“Our government is investing over $23 million through the Skills Development Fund to support workers and job seekers right here in Mississauga. This funding will help train over 4,000 participants for rewarding, in-demand careers in the skilled trades. By supporting programs like this, we are not only opening doors for workers but also ensuring that Ontario’s construction industry has the highly skilled talent it needs to continue to protect and build stronger communities across our province.”
– Rudy Cuzzetto
MPP for Mississauga—Lakeshore
“Mississauga welcomes today’s announcement of increased provincial support for training and hiring in high-demand sectors like construction, health care, transportation, manufacturing, aerospace and the skilled trades. These critical industries employ more than a third of people working in our city and are essential to addressing challenges like the supply of housing and continued economic disruption from U.S. tariffs. As emphasized during our recent Partners in Trade Roundtable, access to skilled talent and local supply chain growth are key drivers of Mississauga’s long-term competitiveness. This provincial funding will further help our businesses and workers adapt to trade disruptions and build long-term resilience.”
– Carolyn Parrish
Mayor of Mississauga
“Achēv is proud to deliver programs like Empowering Youth — Futures in Trades and Workforce Pathways for Women in Senior Care. In partnership with the Ontario government, we are preparing youth and newcomer women for meaningful careers and helping meet urgent labour needs in the skilled trades and senior care sector.”
– Tonie Chaltas
CEO, Achēv
“The Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association of Ontario is honoured to again partner with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, along with our industry, Indigenous, other diverse organizations, academic, development and delivery partners in this Aviation and Aerospace Workforce Development, Skills Development Fund Training Stream project. The project will reach over 1,600 participants, directly benefiting Ontario’s aviation and aerospace industry’s global competitive position via targeted in-demand technical and non-technical training through upskilling current employees and providing new careers for participants while increasing access and opportunities for Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, youth, women and other underrepresented groups.”
– Louis Anderson
President, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association of Ontario (AMEAO)
“Closing the Gap’s Home Support Worker program has been a life-changing opportunity for many participants. The funding provided has eliminated financial barriers to education and the ability to earn while learning has empowered individuals to make meaningful career changes. Many graduates have shared that, although they never imagined themselves in this role, becoming a Home Support Worker has been the most rewarding career decision they’ve made. They take great pride in supporting older adults with daily tasks and enabling them to live independently.”
– Lindsey Crawford
Vice President, Operations, Closing the Gap Healthcare
“Concrete is a cornerstone material in meeting the government’s infrastructure and housing commitments. Ensuring it reaches worksites across the province reliably and on time is critical and depends on a skilled and dedicated concrete driver workforce. Ontario has 3,800 concrete delivery professionals who not only require a valid commercial motor vehicle licence to operate their trucks but must also possess specialized technical knowledge to guarantee the quality of concrete delivered to construction projects. This project will establish standardized training, equipping drivers with the skills and expertise needed to succeed long term. By strengthening the workforce, we will help ensure that concrete is delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. We are grateful for the support of the SDF. The outcomes of this initiative will play a vital role in delivering the infrastructure and housing projects that communities across Ontario are counting on.”
– Bart Kanters
President, Concrete Ontario
“Thanks to funding from Ontario’s Skills Development Fund and the Government of Canada, our VR training developed by Sudbury based NORCAT — like the Hoisting & Rigging, Motor Control modules VET 1 and 2 and courses under development — empowers apprentices with immersive, risk free experiences that build competence and confidence before they ever touch real equipment. Not only does this approach dramatically reduce material waste and training costs, but it also standardizes learning across training centers and strengthens safety outcomes — regardless of where an apprentice is located in Ontario.”
– Chris Swick
Executive Director, National Electrical Trade Council (NETCO)
“The Ontario equine agricultural industry is an integral component of our provincial rural economy. Every year our industry accounts for billions of dollars of direct investment and spin-off activity. We thank the Ford government, and Minister Piccini, for their vision and leadership, addressing the growing demand for skilled workers in a very labour-intensive industry. Thanks to the Skills Development Fund, we have been empowered to train and place hundreds of urgently needed workers in rewarding careers that support our rural way of life.”
– Jim Whelan
President, Ontario Harness Horse Association and the Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program (OHHA/OEEEP)
“The Ontario Road Builders’ Association is proud to partner with the Government of Ontario on this important investment in our workforce. This funding through the Skills Development Fund will help attract new talent, upskill existing workers and ensure our sector has the people it needs to keep Ontario moving. A strong, well-trained workforce is essential to delivering the safe and reliable infrastructure our communities depend on.”
– Walid Abou-Hamde
CEO, Ontario Road Builders Association
“The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has provided the Pinball Foundation with the transformative ability to offer youth sustainable employment opportunities. These funds have allowed us to provide wrap-around services where we don’t just offer job placement, we equip young people with the tools, skills and support necessary to create lasting careers.”
– Michael “Pinball” Clemons
Co-Founder, Pinball Clemons Foundation
Additional Resources
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Media Contacts
Hannah Jensen
Premier’s Office
Hannah.Jensen2@ontario.ca
Michel Figueredo
Minister Piccini’s Office
Michel.Figueredo@ontario.ca
Communications Branch
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NT5
2025-08-27 18:35:00