Toronto, Ontario -- Ontario is expanding its Skills Development Fund by $1 billion over the next three years, bringing the total investment to $2.5 billion.
The funding is aimed at re-skilling workers in key industries impacted by economic uncertainties, including into the automotive sector.
During the announcement, which was held at a Skills Ontario competition on May 6, Premier Doug Ford stated, “We’ll always have your backs. Today’s announcement of a further $1 billion in SDF funding is just the latest step in our plan to protect Ontario by investing in workers.”
The new investment includes $705 million for the SDF Training Stream and $150 million for the SDF Capital Stream, designed to strengthen training capacity and ensure workers are prepared for future opportunities.
David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, said, “Ontario’s prosperity is built with the hands of skilled workers… Today’s investment strengthens their paycheques and ensures Ontario remains strong in the face of global uncertainty.”
Jean-François Champagne, president and chief executive officer of the Automotive Industries of Canada, welcomed the funding, stating, “As vehicles become more advanced, so must the skills of those who service them. This investment in the Skills Development Fund will help address the growing demand for qualified auto care professionals.”
The expanded fund is expected to help meet the demands of industries experiencing significant labour shortages, including automotive repair and maintenance. The new funding also aims to support Ontario's manufacturing sector, which is facing challenges from U.S. tariffs.
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