Northern Ontario workers get a $17 million funding boost

THUNDER BAY, ONT. — More Skills Development Fund (SDF) money is being invested with nearly $17 million going towards training more than 36,000 workers in Ontario’s north for in-demand careers in mining, construction, energy and forestry and towards building new training facilities.

The provincial government is partnering with First Nations, labour unions, local employers and community organizations to tackle labour shortages in the north and to ensure Ontario continues to be a global leader in mining and manufacturing, states a release.

The following projects will receive funding:

• Science North:$3.27 million through the SDF Capital Stream to build a new training facility for up to 35,000 youth and apprentices over a five-year period to explore careers in mining and the skilled trades.
• Sheet Metal Workers Union (SMART) Local 397:$1.07 million through the SDF Capital Stream to build a training centre for sheet metal workers and roofers to train 760 people over five years through pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships.
• Keewaytinook Okimakanak: $1 million through the SDF Training Stream to recruit, train and mentor members from six First Nation communities in carpentry and other building trades needed for careers in residential, commercial and industrial construction.
• International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers Local 759: $644,461 through the SDF Capital Stream to build a new training centre with welding facilities to train 150 participants in structural ironwork.
• Northern Centre for Advance Technology: $580,000 through the SDF Training Stream to deliver training programs focused on skills and safety knowledge related to careers in forestry, mining, exploration and energy development.
• Agnico Eagle Mines Limited: $10 million through the SDF Training Stream to train people for careers in mining, in partnership with Matachewan First Nation, Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Moose Cree First Nation.

Applications are also open for the government’s fifth round of the SDF Training Stream with up to $260 million in available funding.

This is the largest funding round since the fund launched in 2021.

With the fifth round of the SDF Training Stream and Capital Stream, this brings the government’s investment up to $1.4 billion.