More government money
Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie—Algoma, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Canada’s Minister of Jobs and Families, and David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, has announced that the Governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $7.2 million through the Canada–Ontario Workforce Tariff Response to help protect Northern workers, strengthen critical industries and keep communities competitive in the face of global economic uncertainty.
This investment will help more than 500 workers across Northern Ontario upgrade their skills, transition into in-demand carers and ensure local employers have the skilled workforce they need to grow and succeed.
The investment reflects the shared commitment of Canada and Ontario to build a strong Canada — one where workers have the tools to succeed, communities remain resilient, and businesses can grow and compete globally.
The funding announced today is part of a recent announcement that MP Sheehan was a part of with other federal and provincial leaders in Ottawa. There they announced a $228.8 million Federal investment to the Government of Ontario through the Canada–Ontario Workforce Tariff Response, which is being invested in training, and employment supports for tariff-affected workers. This funds Skills Advance Ontario, which aims to help up to 27,000 workers across the province retrain, upgrade their skills, and stay connected to good-paying jobs as industries evolve and global uncertainty continues. Today, funding is being provided to four organizations across Northern Ontario:
— Algoma Steel Inc. is receiving $1,486,153 to help 250 workers upskill in welding and other manufacturing areas.
— Canadian Skills Training and Employment Coalition (CSTEC) is receiving $1,550,992 to help 120 incumbent forestry workers build the skills needed for careers in the welding, electrical and industrial mechanical trades. Delivered over 14 to 18 weeks in multiple Northern Ontario communities, including Sault Ste. Marie, the program will combine industry-recognized safety certifications with paid work placements to prepare workers for opportunities in high-demand sectors.
— Confederation College of Applied Arts & Technology is receiving $2,780,400 to help 110 tariff-affected workers and job seekers in Thunder Bay transition into in-demand careers. Participants will receive training in heavy equipment operation, millwright, welding, electrical work and commercial driving, equipping them with the skills needed to fill local labour market needs.
— Washagamis Bay Investment Corporation is receiving $1,395,150 to train 40 job seekers, primarily Indigenous participants from the Treaty #3 region, for careers in housing construction, forestry and telecommunications infrastructure in the Kenora area, helping address local workforce needs while creating pathways to rewarding, long-term employment.
As workers and industries continue to navigate the impacts of global economic uncertainty and tariffs, the Government of Canada is working with provincial partners to ensure Canadians have the skills and support they need to succeed. Investments like these help protect good jobs, strengthen local economies, and build a more resilient workforce for the future.
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“When workers in our region face new economic challenges, the Government of Canada steps up. This investment will help people in Sault Ste. Marie and across Northern Ontario gain the new skills they need for good-paying jobs while strengthening the industries that are the backbone of our local economy. Supporting workers through change is how we build a stronger future for our communities.”
— Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie—Algoma
