Ont. government announces $4M investment to help workers in Thunder Bay

THUNDER BAY — On Jul. 31, Premier Doug Ford announced that the Ontario government is investing over $4 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to try and help nearly 500 people in Thunder Bay and the surrounding areas find jobs in the construction, industrial, mining and transportation sectors. The SDF tries to protect Ontario workers by giving them the training and tools necessary to land in-demand jobs, while helping Ontario remain competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty.

“We are protecting Ontario workers by giving them the training they need to land better jobs with bigger paycheques,” said Premier Doug Ford. “With this investment, nearly 500 people in Thunder Bay will get the skills to build our province and build a better life for themselves and their families.”

Premier Ford was joined by members of IBEW Local 402 in Thunder Bay, which is receiving $805,182 to train aspiring electricians through in-class and on-the-job training, with a focus on the industrial and mining sectors in Northwestern Ontario. Participants will reportedly be offered apprenticeships upon successful completion of the program.

“We’re protecting Ontario workers by training them today for the jobs of tomorrow,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through targeted investments in innovative training projects across Thunder Bay and surrounding areas, we’re building a stronger, more resilient workforce and ensuring Ontario remains competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs.”

Through the SDF, the Ontario government is also partnering with five other organizations in the region to deliver free training programs in sectors affected by U.S. tariffs and policies:

• Behind the Wheel is receiving $960,190 to provide participants, including Indigenous peoples and youth across Northern Ontario, with ministry-approved driver education (G1, G2, G) through in-person, virtual and simulator training. This investment will help train individuals across 10 Indigenous communities and address limited transportation access.
• LiUNA Local 607 is receiving $920,825 to train more women for in-demand jobs in the construction industry. Workers will receive training on core technical skills for residential construction.
• Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education is receiving $863,460 to provide Red Seal carpentry apprenticeships (a nationally recognized certification) and heavy-duty equipment technician training to Indigenous participants across six remote First Nations communities.
• Ironworkers Local 759 is receiving $530,755 to deliver hands-on welding training to the Ironworker’s union. The funding will reportedly double the training facility’s capacity and equip it with six new welding booths and modern tools.
• Millwright Local 1151 is receiving $186,130 to train workers in the industrial and construction sectors with certifications like Working at Heights.