Mississauga — Ontario is committing more than $23 million to help over 4,200 people in Mississauga and surrounding communities gain skills for jobs in construction, health care, aerospace, transportation, manufacturing and the skilled trades. The investment, announced Wednesday by Premier Doug Ford, comes through the province’s Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream and is aimed at protecting Ontario workers from the economic impact of U.S. tariffs.
“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.”
The SDF represents a $2.5 billion provincial commitment to workforce development. Since its launch in 2021, Ontario has invested $1.5 billion to help more than one million people prepare for in-demand careers. The latest round of funding is part of a broader strategy outlined in the government’s 2025 Budget, which earmarks nearly $1 billion in additional spending on skills training over the next three years.
Targeted Training to Meet Local Needs
The announcement was made at the Ontario Masonry Training Centre in Mississauga, which is receiving $1.1 million to train workers in brick, stone and masonry trades. The program will focus on essential trade skills, job safety and employment readiness.
“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.”
Beyond masonry, the province is partnering with 13 other organizations to deliver sector-specific training. Aerospace, health care, road construction, equine industries and advanced manufacturing are among the areas identified for investment.
Organizations Receiving Funding
Several Mississauga-area organizations will receive multi-million-dollar allocations to expand training capacity:
- Achēv: More than $1.1 million for two projects — $677,863 for accelerated senior care training and $509,772 for a youth trades program in partnership with Humber College.
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association of Ontario: $2.5 million to upskill 177 participants and introduce aerospace careers to 1,500 youth.
- Bothwell-Accurate Inc.: $2.5 million to upskill 235 construction workers.
- Closing the Gap Healthcare Group Inc.: $2.4 million for training 125 participants in home and community care, with paid placements and guaranteed employment.
- National Electrical Trade Council (NETCO): $2.9 million to train 550 apprentices and journeypersons using virtual reality.
- Ontario Harness Horse Association: $2.4 million to prepare 160 workers for equine industry roles.
- Pinball Clemons Foundation: $1.6 million to provide 200 youth with mentorship, micro-credential training and job placements.
Other organizations include the Canadian Association of Women in Construction, Concrete Ontario, Canadian Flatbeds Ltd., Sovereign Construction Management Limited, the Ontario Electrical Industry Training Trust Fund, and the Ontario Road Builders’ Association.
Local Impact and Political Support
Local Members of Provincial Parliament emphasized that the training will strengthen both the workforce and Mississauga’s long-term competitiveness.
“Local organizations in Mississauga—Malton are preparing people for rewarding jobs in health care, construction and the skilled trades,” said Deepak Anand, MPP for Mississauga—Malton. “Every time we help workers achieve their goals, we are strengthening families and building a stronger Ontario.”
“Mississauga is home to some of the most talented and hardworking people in our province and a hub for many key sectors,” added Sheref Sabawy, MPP for Mississauga—Erin Mills. “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.”
Mayor Carolyn Parrish echoed those sentiments, stressing that access to skilled labour is critical as the city contends with housing supply challenges and supply chain disruptions. “This provincial funding will further help our businesses and workers adapt to trade disruptions and build long-term resilience,” Parrish said.
Building Economic Resilience
Industry representatives praised the funding for addressing urgent labour shortages and modernizing training approaches. Organizations such as Achēv, NETCO, and Closing the Gap Healthcare pointed to the life-changing impact of paid placements, mentorship programs and innovative training technologies like virtual reality.
Jim Whelan, president of the Ontario Harness Horse Association, highlighted the broader rural benefits: “The Ontario equine agricultural industry is an integral component of our provincial rural economy. 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.”
The provincial government says these initiatives will not only safeguard jobs threatened by trade policies but also help Ontario remain competitive in critical sectors. As Minister Piccini emphasized, the goal is to ensure “Ontario’s workforce is prepared to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.”
