Ontario Investing Over $12.9 Million to Protect Workers in Waterloo Region

On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Premier Doug Ford announced that the Ontario government is investing over $12.9 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to help over 50,000 people in Waterloo Region prepare for good-paying jobs in high-demand sectors, including construction, manufacturing, skilled trades, education and health innovation. This investment is part of the province’s historic investments in the SDF, which was recently increased to $2.5 billion to support workers facing economic uncertainty as a result of U.S. tariffs.

“The investments we are announcing today will help more than 50,000 workers and students in Waterloo Region get the skills and training they need to remain on the job, no matter what comes our way from President Trump’s tariffs,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By making sure people have the tools and training to succeed, we’re protecting paycheques, supporting local employers and building a stronger, more competitive Ontario economy.”

Premier Ford made the announcement at the AirBoss Rubber Solutions manufacturing facility in Kitchener, which is receiving $829,000 to upskill workers with training in forklift operation and other key skills.

“Our government is taking strong, decisive action to build and protect the future of Ontario’s workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We continue to face global economic challenges and these investments will help tens of thousands of people gain the in-demand skills and experience they need to succeed, while supporting local employers and strengthening our economy for years to come.”

Through the SDF, the Ontario government is also partnering with nine other organizations in Waterloo Region and surrounding areas to deliver training programs in sectors affected by U.S. tariffs and policies. People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly:

• Canadian Tooling & Machining Association is receiving $2,250,000 to deliver experiential work placements in the precision metalworking industry, including youth from underrepresented groups.

• Blue Branch is receiving $1,660,000 to train youth and newcomers in modular housing construction through a six-week program in Cambridge.

• Medical Innovation Xchange (MIX) is receiving $1,500,000 to upskill participants in the life science and innovation sectors through hands-on training, mentorship and lab experience in partnership with the University of Waterloo.

• Grand Valley Construction Association is receiving $1,492,900 to provide participants in Waterloo, Brant and Wellington with safety training and professional development followed by job placements.
• Knowledgehook is receiving $1,478,300 to improve math skills for students and educators from kindergarten to Grade 12, helping build a future-ready workforce.
• Delta Elevator Company Ltd. is receiving $1,158,500 to enhance the Elevating Devices Mechanic Apprenticeship with advanced electrical training for apprentices.
• Advance Millwrights Inc. is receiving $1,000,000 to help staff achieve Canadian Welding Bureau and Technical Standards and Safety Authority certifications through instruction and hands-on training.

• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 804 is receiving $832,000 to support new apprentices through classroom instruction, certifications and mentored job placements in the Waterloo area.
• Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) is receiving $723,600 to expand its Group Sponsorship Grant program, helping new apprentices and employers across nine skilled trades.

Since its launch in 2021, Ontario has invested $1.5 billion through the SDF Training Stream and Capital Stream to help train more than one million workers for in-demand careers. As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the government is investing nearly $1 billion more through the Skills Development Fund over the next three years, bringing the total to $2.5 billion, to support key industrial sectors and help train even more workers.

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