OAKVILLE, Ontario — The Ontario government is investing more than $7.1 million in four workforce development projects designed to help over 1,800 first responders, veterans, military personnel and jobseekers develop specialized skills for careers in emergency response, policing, security and technology.
Announced November 9, 2026, the funding is being delivered through the sixth round of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream. The initiative aims to strengthen emergency services, support career transitions and expand employment opportunities across the province.
Ontario Expands Emergency Response and Firefighter Training
The largest allocation, exceeding $3.45 million, will support the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association in providing advanced Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training to 1,550 firefighters.
The program will prioritize rural, northern and Indigenous communities, combining practical instruction with augmented and virtual reality technologies. Partnerships with organizations including the Canadian Red Cross will support specialized emergency medical training.
“When our communities need them most, first responders are there to keep Ontario families safe, just as our veterans have dedicated their lives to protecting our country and way of life,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We’re proud to stand behind these brave men and women by investing in the skills and support they need to take on new challenges and build rewarding careers. By investing in those who serve and protect us, we’re building stronger communities and a safer Ontario for everyone.”
Greg Horton, President of the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association, said the First Response Ready initiative will strengthen frontline medical capabilities while developing instructors within fire services.
Funding Supports Police Wellness, Cybersecurity and Security Careers
Three additional organizations will receive funding to deliver specialized training and employment assistance.
Police Association of Ontario Receives $747,000
The Police Association of Ontario, working with Canada Beyond the Blue, will develop the Beyond the Blue Workplace Resilience Program Suite.
The initiative will provide clinical services, trauma-informed leadership training, occupational therapy-informed return-to-work planning and digital learning resources.
It will also improve access to wellness services for police personnel and families in remote and underserved communities.
Coding for Veterans Secures Nearly $2 Million
CODING4VETERANS will receive $1.995 million to provide tuition-free online technology training to 100 participants from the Canadian Armed Forces community, including reservists, spouses and family members.
Courses will cover software development, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, with approximately 650 hours of instructor-supported training per course.
Participants will also receive mentorship, career coaching, résumé assistance and employment-search support.
Caliburn Solutions Awarded $987,800
Caliburn Solutions Limited will use $987,800 to help 60 retired military personnel, military family members and former first responders transition into Ontario’s security industry.
Training will include security guard licensing, advanced certifications and employment preparation.
The program will also provide paid work placements and employer connections, with particular attention to participants with disabilities and those living in rural communities.
Ontario Strengthens Skills Development Fund Oversight
The province says the sixth funding round incorporates changes responding to recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2025 review.
New measures include tracking employment outcomes three, six and 12 months after training, requiring disclosure of registered lobbyists and consultants, and strengthening project screening and risk assessments.
Additional due diligence measures will examine individuals associated with funding applications alongside applicant organizations.
Skills Development Fund Supports Long-Term Workforce Growth
According to provincial figures, the first five funding rounds supported more than 1,000 training projects intended to help over 700,000 workers develop skills for high-demand industries.
The government reports that more than 120,000 participants found employment within 60 days of completing their programs.
Previous investments also included $107 million across 79 projects aimed at supporting more than 15,000 frontline workers.
The latest $7.1 million investment reflects Ontario’s continued focus on workforce development, emergency preparedness and career transition opportunities for veterans and first responders.
By combining technical training, employment assistance and wellness resources, the province aims to strengthen public safety services while helping workers enter sustainable careers in growing sectors.
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