ONTARIO AND CANADA INVESTING MORE THAN $228 MILLION TO PROTECT WORKERS AND KEY
INDUSTRIES
New funding will help up to 27,000 workers in Ontario retrain, upskill and stay
competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs
March 10, 2026
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills DevelopmentOTTAWA — The Ontario government is taking further action to protect Ontario
workers by expanding training and employment supports for those impacted by
tariffs and global trade disruptions. Through a $228.8 million investment from
the Government of Canada over the next three years, Ontario will deliver the
Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response, helping up to 27,000 workers across
the province retrain, upgrade their skills and stay competitive in key sectors
of the economy, including softwood lumber, steel and automotive manufacturing.
“Ontario’s workers are at the forefront of our economy, and our government will
never shy away from helping them when it’s needed,” said David Piccini, Minister
of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “As tariffs continue to
impact key sectors, we are standing with the workers and communities feeling
these pressures the most. Through this funding, we’re helping workers retrain,
upgrade their skills and move into new opportunities so they can continue to
work, thrive and support their families while keeping Ontario strong,
competitive and resilient.”
As part of this initiative, Ontario will deliver targeted programs through
Skills Advance Ontario (SAO),
which helps workers stay employed, upgrade their skills and move into new
in-demand jobs, while helping employers retain experienced staff during periods
of economic uncertainty. In addition, SAO will support workforce development in
high‑growth sectors such as health care, skilled trades, energy and natural
resources.
A wide range of workers and employers will be eligible, including laid-off and
unemployed workers seeking new skills for in-demand jobs, employees whose
workplaces are participating in Employment Insurance (EI) work‑sharing
agreements and workers who need additional skills training to adapt and stay
competitive within companies directly impacted by tariffs, or within communities
that rely heavily on those industries.
“Canada’s workforce is strongest when employers and training partners work
together. As global trade evolves, no worker will be left behind,” said Patty
Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal
Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. “Through the Workforce Tariff
Response, that means providing the tools and training workers need to secure
good jobs, continue building strong communities, and ensure Canada remains
resilient in the face of global challenges.”
Applications for the Skills Advance Ontario program are open and will be
accepted on an ongoing basis. Employers and employment and training service
providers can submit their project proposals at
https://www.ontario.ca/page/skills-advance-ontario-sao.
Workers and jobseekers interested in the program are encouraged to contact
participating employers and service providers or Employment Ontariodirectly.
Ontario continues to take decisive action to protect workers, businesses and
communities in the face of global trade disruptions. By investing in skills
training and helping employers retain experienced staff, the province is
strengthening key industries and building a stronger, more competitive and
resilient economy that can create good-paying jobs for generations to come.
QUICK FACTS
* Ontario programs like Protect Ontario Workers Employment Response (POWER)
Centres, Better Jobs Ontario and Integrated Employment Services may also
receive additional funding through the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff
Response.
* Employment Ontario
is providing free employment services and training programs for jobseekers,
workers and employers online, via phone or chat or in person at more than 700
service locations across Ontario. In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the
Employment Ontario network helped over 693,000 Ontarians.
QUOTES
“Ontario’s workforce is among the most talented and highly sought after in the
world, with deep capabilities across the steel, manufacturing, lumber and
automotive industries. As global supply chains undergo unprecedented
realignment, the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response will equip workers
with the skills and resources necessary to build a more competitive, resilient
and prosperous economy.”
– Vic Fedeli
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and Member of
Provincial Parliament for Nipissing
“We must stand together to protect the workers who depend on the good paying
jobs in Ontario’s forestry sector. The support provided through the
Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response will give workers the training and
skills needed to build a more competitive, resilient forestry sector that can
stand up to changing markets and trade uncertainties.”
– Mike Harris
Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Provincial Parliament for
Kitchener–Conestoga
“Workers in Ontario’s forest sector are facing real pressure from global tariffs
and market shifts. By working together, our federal and provincial governments
are ensuring forestry workers can access the training and employment supports
they need to adapt, stay competitive and protect northern Ontario communities.”
– Kevin Holland
Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products and Member of Provincial
Parliament for Thunder Bay
“Steelworkers know that global tariffs and economic uncertainty can put good
union jobs at risk and create real challenges for working families and
communities. Investments like the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response are
important to ensure workers have access to the training and support they need to
protect jobs, strengthen our industries, and build a more resilient workforce.”
– Kevon Stewart
USW District 6 Director for Ontario & Atlantic Canada
“We are thrilled that the Governments of Canada and Ontario have launched the
Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response initiative. Programs that help retrain
laid off workers and upskill those currently employed in sectors under pressure
is exactly what is needed right now. When tariffs are causing layoffs and
undermining new investment, and when workforce disruptions occur due to these
tariffs or due to the adoption of new technologies, reinvesting in one of
Canada’s and Ontario’s great competitive advantages, our skilled workforce, is
just smart public policy.”
– Ken Delaney
Executive Director, CSTEC
“We welcome this announcement from Ministers Hajdu and Piccini. Algoma Steel,
like many companies in the steel sector, is navigating a challenging and
uncertain trade and market environment. The support being provided by the
Governments of Canada and Ontario for affected workers is welcome and will help
workers and communities during this period.”
– Rajat Marwah
CEO, Algoma Steel
“The Canada Ontario Workforce Tariff Response initiative will provide support to
workers and industries affected by softwood lumber tariffs and help to stabilize
sectors that are vital to Ontario’s economy. By strengthening workforce skills
and professional development, this program will contribute to a resilient,
knowledgeable, and future ready forestry profession across the province.”
– Brandon Williamson
Associate R.P.F., President, Ontario Professional Foresters Association
“The government’s dedication to a healthy and resilient workforce in an acutely
troubled time helps employers navigate unprecedented trade disputes with greater
confidence. The best result for all of us is to rebuild a more dynamic economy
so we get through this with collective momentum.”
– Flavio Volpe
C.M.,President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association
“The launch of Skills Advance Ontario is a decisive step forward by the federal
and provincial governments to shield Ontario’s auto industry from costly and
harmful American tariffs. This initiative will help close the skilled labour
shortage facing Ontario’s new car and truck retailers and provide well-paying
careers for the next generation of automotive technicians.”
– Todd Bourgon
CEO, Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario
“The Canadian Association of Mold Makers strongly welcomes this timely and
strategic investment in Ontario’s workforce. As global trade pressures continue
to impact key sectors, direct support for workers, skills development, and
employer-led partnerships is critical to protecting jobs, strengthening our
industrial base, and ensuring Ontario and Canada remain competitive, resilient,
and ready for the future.”
– Nicole Vlanich
Executive Director, Canadian Association of Moldmakers
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
* Employment Ontario
* Skills Advance Ontario
* Ontario Investing $70 Million to Protect Workers Affected by U.S. Tariffs
* The Workforce Tariff Response
