Skills Advance Ontario Funding Targets Manufacturing, Forestry, Steel and Indigenous Workforce Development
SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario — The Ontario and federal governments are investing more than $7.2 million to help more than 500 workers across northern Ontario gain new skills, transition into in-demand careers and strengthen key industries facing economic pressures from tariffs and global trade disruptions.
The funding, delivered through the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response, will support workers in manufacturing, steel, forestry, construction and telecommunications while helping employers maintain a skilled workforce capable of meeting future demand.
The investment is being distributed through Skills Advance Ontario, a provincial program that partners with employers and training organizations to provide workforce training tailored to sectors experiencing labour shortages and economic change.
“Ontario’s greatest competitive advantage is our world-class workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Protecting Ontario means making sure workers have the skills to succeed no matter what comes our way. Through these investments, we’re helping workers transition into good-paying careers, supporting employers facing economic pressures and strengthening the industries that will drive Ontario’s future prosperity.”
Federal Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu said the funding is designed to help northern communities adapt to changing economic conditions.
“This is a direct investment in the hardworking people of northern Ontario,” said Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. “As tariffs and global economic pressures continue to affect workers and communities, no one will be left behind. By equipping more than 500 workers with the skills they need for high-demand careers, we are building stronger, more resilient communities across northern Ontario, ready to meet the challenges ahead.”
Four Northern Ontario Organizations Receive Funding
Algoma Steel to Upskill 250 Employees
The largest individual employer-supported initiative will see Algoma Steel Inc. receive $1.49 million to train approximately 250 employees as the company continues transitioning its operations, including its move toward Electric Arc Furnace steelmaking.
The program is intended to provide workers with technical and specialized skills required for evolving production technologies while supporting the company’s long-term competitiveness.
“We thank the governments of Canada and Ontario for this investment in our workforce. As Algoma advances to Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking, upskilling over 250 of our employees to meet the demands of new technology is essential to maintaining our competitiveness — and to keeping a highly skilled workforce right here in northern Ontario,” said Rajat Marwah, CEO, Algoma Steel Inc.
Training Programs Expand Across Multiple Communities
The Canadian Skills Training and Employment Coalition (CSTEC) will receive $1.55 million to prepare 120 manufacturing workers for skilled trades careers, including welding and industrial mechanics.
Programs will be delivered over periods ranging from four to 18 weeks in several Ontario communities, including Sault Ste. Marie. Participants will receive industry-recognized safety certifications alongside paid work placements to improve employment opportunities in high-demand industries.
“We at CSTEC are thrilled that our new Skills Advance Ontario grant has enabled us to give laid off industrial workers more options for training and transitioning to a new career. We have been working with training institutions to customize training programs in welding, machining and industrial mechanics. Now we are eager to get that training started. With support from the Government of Ontario and Minister David Piccini, Skills Advance Ontario is just one of the many programs we are using to help workers negatively impacted by technological change or tariffs. Programs like Skills Advance Ontario and POWER Centres play an important role in helping communities and workers cope with economic challenge and change,” said Ken Delaney, Executive Director, Canadian Skills Training and Employment Coalition.
Forestry, Indigenous Workforce and Regional Employment Prioritized
Confederation College Supports Workers Affected by Forestry Changes
Confederation College will receive $2.78 million to train 110 workers and jobseekers impacted by restructuring in the forestry and pulp and paper sectors around Thunder Bay.
Participants will receive instruction in heavy equipment operation, millwrighting, welding, electrical work and commercial driving to help address regional labour shortages.
“Job loss and financial uncertainty can have a significant impact on workers, their families and our community. Confederation College is grateful to the Ontario government for this investment, which will help affected workers and jobseekers build practical, in-demand skills and prepare for new employment opportunities across northwestern Ontario,” said Michelle Salo, President, Confederation College.
Indigenous Jobseekers Receive Targeted Skills Training
The Washagamis Bay Investment Corporation has been awarded $1.4 million to train 40 jobseekers, primarily Indigenous participants from the Treaty #3 region near Kenora.
Training will focus on careers in housing construction, forestry and telecommunications infrastructure, creating employment pathways while addressing workforce shortages across northwestern Ontario.
“This investment allows us to provide training and real opportunity to our brothers and sisters across Treaty #3 who have been affected by the shifting job market. We’re proud to build these pathways into housing, forestry and telecommunications for our people, and thankful to the province for standing behind this work,” said Devin Chartrand, President, Washagamis Bay Investment Corporation.
Broader Workforce Strategy Responds to Trade Pressures
The funding forms part of the $228.8 million Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response, which aims to help as many as 27,000 workers across Ontario retrain, upgrade their skills and remain competitive in industries affected by tariffs and international trade disruptions, including steel, automotive manufacturing and softwood lumber.
The announcement also aligns with broader provincial investments in workforce development, including expanded funding for colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes, additional skilled trades training, and employment services delivered through Employment Ontario.
Provincial ministers said the investment reflects Ontario’s broader strategy of protecting workers, supporting employers and strengthening northern communities by ensuring businesses have access to skilled labour while creating new opportunities for workers adapting to changing economic conditions.