'We're making sure that workers can retrain fast, have good-paying jobs and get back to work'
Ontario is investing $70 million to expand training and employment services for workers affected by U.S. tariffs and related economic uncertainty.
The funding aims to help employees at risk of layoffs access new skills and secure stable, good-paying jobs in a shifting labour market.
“Ontario has the best workers in the world. When their livelihoods are threatened by decisions in Washington, we won’t leave them behind,” says Premier Doug Ford. “By investing $70 million in new training and rapid-response centres, we’re making sure that workers can retrain fast, land good-paying jobs and get back to work building a stronger, more resilient Ontario that can stand up to anything that comes our way.”
A vast majority of Canadian employers continue to struggle with hiring skilled talent, according to a previous report from the ManpowerGroup.
Ontario’s recent investment includes $20 million for the Protect Ontario Workers Employment Response (POWER) Centres, which will provide training, upskilling, and employment services to workers facing or at risk of layoffs. For the first time, these centres will be able to launch proactively—before a layoff occurs—and respond within 24 hours, according to the provincial government. The centres will work with unions, community organisations, colleges, and universities to connect workers with job search assistance and Employment Ontario programmes.
An additional $50 million will go to Better Jobs Ontario (BJO), expanding access to vocational and skills training for in-demand jobs. Eligible job seekers—including youth and people on social assistance—can receive up to $35,000 for costs such as tuition, transportation, and child care. Since January 2021, nearly 16,000 job seekers have received retraining support through the BJO programme.
Employee productivity is a critical focus for organisations in 2025 both for employers in the U.S. (66 per cent) and Canada (75 per cent), according to a previous report.
Stakeholder comments
Several stakeholders welcomed the new investment from the Ontario government.
“These forward-thinking initiatives will remove barriers, increase access to training and provide jobseekers with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive workforce,” says Anthony Gravina, Director of Business Development, Skilled Trades College. “By supporting proactive, community-based training and expanding funding for in-demand skills, the province is creating real opportunity for individuals and families across Ontario. We are proud to support Minister Piccini’s efforts to build a stronger, more resilient workforce.”
Andrea Horwath, Mayor of Hamilton, says she welcomes the investments in POWER enhanced training hubs and Better Jobs Ontario.
“I look forward to Hamiltonians being able to more easily access training and supports and build the skills that open doors to good, stable jobs right here in our city."
Meanwhile, Anne Babcock, CEO and President, WoodGreen Community Services, notes: “As one of the largest employment service providers and social service agencies in Toronto, WoodGreen welcomes enhancements to the Better Jobs Ontario and the newly transformed POWER centres.
“Increasing the Better Jobs Ontario training duration from 52 weeks to up to two years will allow for vulnerable populations to receive tuition support for longer programmes that have internships and pathways to meaningful employment.”
Companies across Canada are grappling with an apparent contradiction: unemployment is rising, yet employers continue to cite talent shortages as a top concern, according to a previous report.
