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Workers

Ontario Government Invests $70 Million in Training and Employment Services for Workers Affected by U.S. Tariffs and Policies

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Ontario government has announced a $70 million investment in expanded training and employment services for workers affected by U.S. tariffs and policies. This funding includes support for the province's Protect Ontario Workers Employment Response (POWER) Centres and enhancements to Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) to help job seekers quickly train and upskill for in-demand careers. The POWER Centres will provide access to training, upskilling and employment services to workers affected by or at risk of layoffs, while BJO will provide up to $35,000 for costs such as tuition, transportation, and child care.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ontario government is investing $70 million in training and employment services for workers affected by U.S. tariffs and policies.
  • The funding includes $20 million for the Protect Ontario Workers Employment Response (POWER) Centres and an additional $50 million for Better Jobs Ontario (BJO).
  • The POWER Centres will provide access to training, upskilling, and employment services to workers affected by or at risk of layoffs.
  • The new centres will be able to launch proactively before a layoff has occurred and respond within 24 hours.
  • The BJO program will provide up to $35,000 for costs such as tuition, transportation, and child care for job seekers, including those facing challenges finding a stable job.
  • The POWER Centres will be built and expanded on partnerships with unions, community organizations, colleges, and universities.
  • The government's plan is part of an effort to protect Ontario workers by investing in training and reskilling.

Statistics:

  • $70 million investment in training and employment services.
  • $20 million for the Protect Ontario Workers Employment Response (POWER) Centres.
  • $50 million for Better Jobs Ontario (BJO).
  • $35,000 maximum amount for costs such as tuition, transportation, and child care through BJO.
  • 1,000 laid-off workers helped annually by current Action Centres.

Sources:

  • Government of Ontario, "Ontario Government Invests $70 Million to Support Workers Affected by U.S. Tariffs"
  • Premier Doug Ford, statement on $70 million investment
  • David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, statement on $70 million investment
  • Kevon Stewart, Director, District 6 and Atlantic Canada, United Steelworkers (USW), statement on POWER Centres

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