Province introduces new funding streams focused on leadership opportunities and economic independence
The Ontario government is investing $11 million over two years through a newly launched Women’s Economic Leadership and Legacy (WELL) Fund aimed at helping more women enter high-demand industries while also providing support for survivors of human trafficking seeking financial independence and long-term stability.
Announced Tuesday in Newmarket, the initiative will provide funding for projects that support women pursuing careers in sectors such as clean energy, construction and technology, while also expanding education, employment and recovery supports for survivors of trafficking.
According to the province, the WELL Fund will operate through two funding streams designed to strengthen Ontario’s workforce and improve economic outcomes for women across the province.
“As our government continues to protect Ontario workers and our economy, we are ensuring more women have the opportunity to succeed in rewarding, good-paying careers,” said Charmaine Williams, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity.
“The WELL Fund will help women gain the skills, mentorship and supports they need to thrive in Ontario’s growing economy while also helping survivors of human trafficking rebuild their lives with independence.”
First-Year Funding to Support 12 Projects Across Ontario
The province said the first year of the program will see $5.5 million distributed among 12 projects across Ontario.
The anti-human trafficking stream will focus on helping survivors recover and transition into education and employment opportunities, while the high-growth sectors stream is designed to improve women’s retention, promotion and leadership opportunities in industries facing labour shortages.
Among the largest investments announced is $724,272 for BridgeNorth Women’s Mentorship and Advocacy Services in Newmarket. The funding will support a paid professional skills program that mirrors a workplace environment and is intended to help young survivors of human trafficking develop employment readiness and economic stability.
Another $745,000 will go to Huronia Transition Homes to provide wellness programming, education supports, financial literacy workshops and co-working spaces for survivors of trafficking.
The province is also investing $314,977 in the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario to support a tradeswomen’s leadership conference and expand Anti-Discrimination Anti-Harassment (ADAH) training at construction sites in partnership with organizations including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 353 North in Barrie.
In Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, The Firehood will receive $360,000 to provide leadership development, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity training, mentorship opportunities and inclusive workplace education programs, including supports specifically tailored for Indigenous women.
Province Links Program to Broader Economic and Anti-Violence Strategy
Ontario officials said the WELL Fund complements broader provincial investments aimed at improving women’s economic security and addressing gender-based violence.
Michael Parsa, Ontario’s Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, said the initiative is intended to strengthen both the labour market and community supports.
“Empowering women to build skills and gain financial independence is part of our government’s plan to protect Ontario and build the strong workforce we need to keep building our economy,” Parsa said.
“This investment will provide more support for survivors of human trafficking and advance women’s careers in key sectors, to improve their lives and contribute to Ontario’s economic prosperity.”
The province noted that the WELL Fund is in addition to $41 million being invested over three years through Ontario’s Investing in Women’s Futures and Women’s Economic Security programs.
Ontario also said increasing women’s financial independence forms part of Ontario-STANDS, the province’s action plan to end gender-based violence, backed by $1.4 billion in funding over four years.
Community Organizations Welcome New Funding
BridgeNorth expands survivor-led employment program
Local organizations receiving funding said the investments will help strengthen trauma-informed services and create more pathways to sustainable employment.
“Our government is committed to creating opportunities that empower women to thrive economically and personally. Through this investment in BridgeNorth Women’s Mentorship and Advocacy Services, young survivors of human trafficking in Newmarket will receive the skills, mentorship, and workplace experience needed to build confidence, achieve financial independence, and create brighter futures for themselves. I’m proud to see this important support coming to our community through the WELL Fund,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy.
Karen Todd, Executive Director of BridgeNorth Women’s Mentorship and Advocacy Services, said the funding would support the launch of a survivor-led employment readiness initiative.
“BridgeNorth understands the importance of providing a continuum of care that supports those impacted by human trafficking with the services and supports they need to reach their goals. With this generous funding from the Province, we are excited to develop and deliver the survivor-led, trauma-informed Elevate Job Readiness Program for youth aged 18 to 29 who have experienced human trafficking and exploitation. Elevate will provide a much-needed next phase of recovery for youth who have exited trafficking and are ready to begin the process of finding stable and meaningful employment – a key step to one’s socio-economic well-being that many survivors have not had.”
Construction sector and shelters highlight workforce impact
“We are incredibly excited and grateful for the Government of Ontario’s investment through the WELL Fund to combat human trafficking. Supporting survivors means more than safety, it means real economic opportunity! This funding allows us to expand trauma-informed supports and empower women to reclaim independence, feel empowered and build safer futures,” said Haily MacDonald, Executive Director of Huronia Transition Homes.
Marc Arsenault, Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, said the initiative could help improve workplace culture and leadership opportunities in the skilled trades.
“Women belong in every part of Ontario’s construction industry – not only entering the trades, but staying, advancing, and leading. Through the WELL Fund project, we are investing in the people and the workplace culture needed to make that possible. By expanding Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment training, strengthening mentorship opportunities, and building leadership pathways for women across the province, this initiative will help create safer, more inclusive job sites and a stronger construction workforce for the future.”