THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is investing nearly $17 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to train over 36,000 workers in the North for in-demand careers in mining, construction, energy and forestry and build new training facilities. With this investment, the province is partnering with First Nations, labour unions, local employers and community organizations to tackle labour shortages in the North and to ensure Ontario continues to be a global leader in mining and manufacturing.

“We're giving workers in Northern Ontario the support and investments they need to find good-paying jobs in in-demand careers,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By working closely with our partners in the North, including First Nations, labour unions and the private sector, we can continue to expand the critical sectors like mining, construction, forestry and energy that will power Ontario's growth and prosperity.”

The funding comes from both the Training and Capital streams of the SDF, which are designed to recruit, train and upskill workers and build or upgrade training centres for the skilled trades. This brings Ontario's total investment in Northern workers through SDF to nearly $117 million. These projects include:

• Science North: $3,270,899 through the SDF Capital Stream to build a new training facility for up to 35,000 youth and apprentices over a five-year period to explore careers in mining and the skilled trades.

• Sheet Metal Workers Union (SMART) Local 397: $1,071,547 through the SDF Capital Stream to build a training centre for sheet metal workers and roofers to train 760 people over five years through pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships.

• Keewaytinook Okimakanak: $1,000,000 through the SDF Training Stream to recruit, train and mentor members from six First Nation communities in carpentry and other building trades needed for careers in residential, commercial and industrial construction.

• International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Ironworkers Local 759: $644,461 through the SDF Capital Stream to build a new training centre with welding facilities to train 150 participants in structural ironwork.

• Northern Centre for Advance Technology (NORCAT): $580,000 through the SDF Training Stream to deliver training programs focused on skills and safety knowledge related to careers in forestry, mining, exploration and energy development.

• Agnico Eagle Mines Limited: $10,000,000 through the SDF Training Stream to train people for careers in mining, in partnership with Matachewan First Nation, Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Moose Cree First Nation.

“Northern Ontario has a rich supply of natural resources and thousands of well-paying careers waiting to be filled that are critical to the province's economy,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government is proud to partner with Northern employers, labour unions, First Nations and other community organizations to equip local workers and jobseekers with the skills they need to land in-demand, well-paying careers in some of Ontario's most exciting industries. Through our Skills Development Fund, we're working with the private- and non-profit sectors to ensure we have the local talent to match our global ambitions.”

Applications are open for the government's fifth round of SDF Training Stream with up to $260 million in available funding, the largest funding round since the fund launched in 2021. With the fifth round of SDF Training Stream and the Capital Stream, this brings government's investment up to $1.4 billion to grow Ontario's workforce for in-demand careers in the skilled trades.

Quotes

"Our government is working closely with industry to address labour challenges across Ontario. This $17 million investment through the Skills Development Fund will train more than 36,000 workers and Indigenous People throughout the North and help connect them to employers in expanding industries like mining, which needs more trained and skilled workers. These targeted investments will ensure we can meet industry labour needs while upskilling people and giving them access to great paying careers."

- George Pirie
Minister of Mines

"Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government continues to make targeted investments that contribute to long-term economic growth and lasting opportunities for Northern and First Nation communities. We understand that meaningful reconciliation requires an all-of-government approach and the partnerships we are announcing today with local employers, First Nations and community organizations in the North demonstrates our commitment now and into the future."

- Greg Rickford
Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation

"Investing in training for critical industries like mining will help create prosperity for northern and Indigenous communities. We are helping workers develop in-demand skills they need to find rewarding career opportunities in sectors we want to grow. Working with our many partners, we will ensure Ontario has the workers we need to build a stronger economy across the province, especially in the north."

- Stephen Crawford
Associate Minister of Mines

"As industries across Ontario rapidly expand and the demand for local materials increases, it is great to see more funding to support job creation in Northern Ontario. This $17 million investment will help train more than 36,000 workers in the north and help them connect with prosperous opportunities in expanding sectors like mining, construction, energy and forestry."

- Kevin Holland
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Mines

"Ironworkers Local 759 is thankful for the Ontario government's investment, demonstrating the commitment of Premier Doug Ford and Minister David Piccini to build Ontario. The Skills Development Fund is providing us the necessary investment to build a new training centre to increase our training capacity to meet our needs and future growth for Northwestern Ontario."

- Adam McGillivray
Business Manager Ironworkers Local 759

"At Agnico Eagle, our goal is to hire 100 per cent of our workforce from the regions in which we operate. We believe that training and developing people from nearby communities plays a key role to achieve this goal and we thank the Province of Ontario's Skills Development Fund Training Stream for their funding, which will further support our workforce development initiatives. The long-term success of the mining industry relies on developing the future workforce and Agnico Eagle is committed to be a leader in training, developing and employing the people of Northern Ontario for the long-term."

- Andre Leite
Vice President, Ontario for Agnico Eagle