Increase in funding of more than $800 million over six years
The Ontario and federal governments have signed agreements that will provide Ontario with more than $6 billion over six years to invest in the province’s workers.
This represents an increase in funding of more than $800 million over the period, compared to previous funding levels, affecting an estimated 180,000 more workers.
The agreements — the new Workforce Development Agreement (WDA) and the Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) — are meant to increase the jobs and skills training available to people in Ontario, including training programs, work placements, employer-sponsored training, job search assistance, career counselling and more.
"Ontario's economy is changing. New technologies, globalization and shifting demographics mean that the available jobs — and the types of skills needed to succeed in those roles — are different. These agreements mean we can provide programs and services that directly connect people with opportunities to get those skills," said Mitzie Hunter, minister of advanced education and skills development.
The federal government said it will measure how the programs are increasing people's earnings, helping them get jobs that last, and breaking down barriers for under‑represented groups such as Indigenous people, people with disabilities and women, and report on the impacts.
The WDA initiative includes:
- the Youth Job Connection program, which offers training, incentives and supports to youth who face barriers
- skills training for people on social assistance to participate in skills training through Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program
- free adult education classes that help students improve reading, writing, math, computer and other essential skills to prepare them for education, training or better jobs.
The LMDA initiative involves:
- helping jobseekers find work
- matching employers with potential employees through Employment Service
- helping unemployed workers get training or post-secondary education through the Second Career program
- helping employers with training costs for employees.
