Ontario Supporting Youth, Women and Indigenous Peoples to get Training and Land Jobs in Thunder Bay

September 5, 2025

The province is investing $920,825 to support individuals typically underrepresented in the skilled trades

September 5, 2025

Thunder Bay  — The Ontario government is investing $920,825 through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to support 300 people in Northern Ontario in gaining the skills they need to land good-paying, in-demand jobs in the Skilled Trades. This funding is a part of our broader effort to strengthen Ontario’s workforce, improve productivity, and protect workers from U.S. tariffs. This investment underpins our government’s $2.5 billion investment to promote better training, better jobs, with bigger paycheques.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in the tools, training, and resources needed to keep our workforce strong,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through targeted funding, we’re strengthening our supply chains, growing a job-ready workforce, and building the foundation for a more self-reliant and productive province – one that can compete, deliver, and win.”

In partnership with LiUNA Local 607, 300 participants will receive hands-on training in the construction sector, with a specific focus on youth, women, and Indigenous peoples.

“Our government is proud to support programs that give people in Thunder Bay – Atikokan the chance to build rewarding careers close to home,” said Kevin Holland, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay – Atikokan. “By investing in practical training opportunities, we’re ensuring more women, Indigenous peoples, and young workers have access to the skills they need to succeed in the skilled trades, while also strengthening our local economy.”

The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is open to a wide range of applicants, including employers, industry associations, labour unions, hospitals and many more. The funding announced today builds on our government’s mission to protect Ontario and ensure it remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

“The Skills Development Fund is significant for LiUNA Local 607 as we address labour and market challenges. With the support of the SDF program, Local 607 can build the much-needed capacity to develop workforce talent focusing on youth, women and Indigenous people,” Said Andy Nieweglowski, Director of Training at LIUNA Local 607.” We are currently running a Women in Residential Construction program, which includes women from diverse groups throughout the region. The response to this program has been staggering and tells us we are on the right track for developing a highly skilled workforce. LiUNA Local 607 thanks Premier Ford and the Ontario government for the support.”

Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect more than half a million jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find good-paying and fulfilling careers close to home.

Quick Facts

  • So far, the Skills Development Fund Training Stream has supported over 1,000 training projects across the province.
  • Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s SDF Training Stream has aimed to help over 700,000 workers train for in-demand sectors, including over 154,000 construction workers, over 124,000 manufacturing workers and over 52,000 personal support workers and health care workers.
  • People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
  • The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.  
  • As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the Ontario government is investing an additional $1 billion through SDF to grow the trades workforce and build Ontario, bringing Ontario’s total investment in the SDF to $2.5 billion.

Additional Resources