Ontario has earmarked $160 million to bolster skills training programs, with a focus on aiding individuals receiving social assistance and those with previous criminal records.
Monte McNaughton, the Labour Minister, is poised to unveil the fourth installment of funding via the Skills Development Fund today. The initiative aims to provide free training opportunities to a minimum of 100,000 individuals in sectors such as healthcare, auto manufacturing, IT, hospitality, and skilled trades.
This announcement contributes to the cumulative value of the Skills Development Fund, which now exceeds $860 million. Thus far, 596 projects spanning diverse sectors have been supported.
McNaughton highlighted the fact that approximately one million people in Ontario possess criminal records, primarily for non-violent and minor offenses. Even 15 years following release, half of them remain reliant on social assistance. He emphasized that nearly 40 percent of individuals with criminal records struggle to secure a second interview during job searches. In response, he is urging organizations to propose strategies that can offer these individuals meaningful employment while simultaneously addressing labor shortages.
In an interview, McNaughton remarked, “This is something that we’ve really been promoting and encouraging businesses to step up. I just think there’s a huge opportunity. These workers become very loyal to the employer that gives them a chance and there’s a huge opportunity to lift these people up.”
Submissions for funding applications are required to be submitted by November 17.