'We're already seeing the impact of President Trump's tariffs,' says premier
Ontario is investing nearly $1 billion over the next three years to help train and reskill workers, including those directly impacted by layoffs resulting from tariffs.
“We’re already seeing the impact of President Trump’s tariffs and the economic uncertainty he has created on Ontario workers,” said Premier Doug Ford.
“My message to these workers and their families is clear: 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 and making sure they have the support they need to succeed, no matter what comes our way.”
The provincial government is expanding the Skills Development Fund (SDF) by $955 million over three years, starting in 2025–26.
This includes $705 million in new funding through the upcoming 2025 Ontario Budget to train more workers through the SDF Training Stream, building on the additional $100 million announced in January 2025.
The Training Stream supports hiring, training and upskilling programs for jobseekers, apprentices and workers.
These funds will support more projects that will help build Ontario and protect workers and jobs in industries expected to face pressures from U.S. tariffs, including manufacturing and health care, according to the provincial government.
"On behalf of all building trades workers, we welcome today’s announcement to invest $955 million over three years towards added funding for the SDF capital and training streams,” said Marc Arsenault, business manager and secretary-treasurer for Provincial Building and Construction under the Trades Council of Ontario.
“These considerable investments will increase construction training capacity to meet the needs of projects, securing continued employment for the workforce. We look forward to continued collaboration as we build infrastructure to propel our economy forward.”
Through the upcoming provincial budget, the government is also providing $150 million over three years starting in 2025–26 to support increased demand in the SDF Capital Stream. This investment will help more organizations build, expand and retrofit their training facilities to deliver better training programs
The Capital Stream supports upgrades or construction of training centres for high-demand jobs in key sectors of Ontario’s economy such as skilled trades.
"As Ontario continues to invest in infrastructure to increase our self-reliance in the face of US tariffs, our province needs a skilled, mobile and productive workforce to build it. That is why the Carpenters’ Regional Council is thrilled to support additional funding for the highly successful SDF Capital and Training Streams,” said - Tom Cardinal, president and chief of staff, Carpenters’ Regional Council.
“This investment will build on the incredible results to date, ensuring more young people have access to the rewarding careers in the trades."
Since the Skills Development Fund launched in 2021, the Ontario government has invested $2.5 billion through both SDF streams, supporting the training of over one million workers for in-demand careers across the province.
Ontario has reached its highest number of active apprentices since 2016, fuelled by the provincial government’s multi-billion-dollar investment in skills training through the SDF, according to a recent report.
The investment is also critical to ensuring that employers have a large enough talent pool to fill job openings. According to the provincial government, more than 500,000 workers are expected to be needed to fill job openings in skilled trades-related occupations in Ontario over the next decade.
In Canada overall, the construction sector alone will face a total hiring requirement of 380,500 workers by 2034, forecasts BuildForce Canada.
In 2024, Ontario announced it is creating the Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training (FAST), building on the successful Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).
