$11-million fund will support women in high-demand sectors and help survivors of human trafficking
| NEWS | May 19, 2026 |
NEWMARKET — The Ontario government is investing $11 million over two years to advance women’s economic security through the new Women’s Economic Leadership and Legacy (WELL) Fund. This investment will boost women’s retention and leadership in high-demand sectors of the economy and help survivors of human trafficking heal and gain financial independence.
“Increasing women’s economic security supports their safety and wellbeing,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “The WELL Fund will support women in their careers and in leadership roles and builds on Ontario’s ongoing work to invest in women’s success.”
The WELL Fund will support 12 new projects in the first year with an investment of $5.5 million. The projects will help women gain skills and grow their careers, empower survivors of human trafficking, and strengthen the leadership of women from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous and Francophone women. Investments include:
- $724,272 for BridgeNorth Women’s Mentorship and Advocacy Services in Newmarket to help young survivors of human trafficking gain professional skills through a paid program mirroring a work environment to support their economic stability, independence and long-term wellbeing.
- $745,000 for Huronia Transition Homes in Midland to provide wellness, education and employment supports for survivors of human trafficking, including group sessions, financial literacy workshops and co-working spaces.
- $314,977 for the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario to deliver a tradeswomen’s leadership conference and support Anti-Discrimination Anti-Harassment (ADAH) training on construction sites, working with partners like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 353 North in Barrie.
- $360,000 for The Firehood to provide leadership development, AI and cybersecurity training, inclusive workplace education, mentorship, and culturally responsive peer-support circles for Indigenous women to advance the leadership and digital skills of women in Toronto and the GTA.
“Empowering women to build skills and gain financial independence is part of our government’s plan to protect Ontario,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “This investment will provide more support for survivors of human trafficking and advance women’s careers in key sectors, improving women’s lives and contributing to Ontario’s economic prosperity.”
The new projects will serve women across the province through the WELL Fund’s two streams. The high-growth sectors stream will increase women’s retention, promotion and leadership in high-demand sectors, including clean energy, construction and entrepreneurship in technology. The anti-human trafficking stream will help survivors recover and rebuild their lives by strengthening peer supports and providing pathways to education and employment. Service providers were selected through a targeted call for applications.
Quick Facts
- This investment is in addition to the $41 million Ontario is providing over three years to advance women’s economic opportunities through the Investing in Women’s Futures and Women’s Economic Security programs.
- Increasing women’s financial independence is also part of Ontario-STANDS, the province’s action plan to end gender-based violence, which is supported by an investment of $1.4 billion over four years.
- The supports for survivors of human trafficking provided through the WELL Fund build on Ontario’s Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy, which was renewed in 2025 with an investment of $345 million over five years.
Quotes
“Our government is committed to creating opportunities that empower women to thrive economically and personally. Through this investment in BridgeNorth Women’s Mentorship and Advocacy Services, young survivors of human trafficking in Newmarket will receive the skills, mentorship, and workplace experience needed to build confidence, achieve financial independence, and create brighter futures for themselves. I’m proud to see this important support coming to our community through the WELL Fund.”
– Dawn Gallagher Murphy
MPP, Newmarket—Aurora
“BridgeNorth understands the importance of providing a continuum of care that supports those impacted by sex trafficking with the services and supports they need to meet their needs and reach their goals. With this generous funding from the Province, we are excited to develop and deliver the survivor-led, trauma-informed Elevate Job Readiness Program for youth aged 18 to 29 who have experienced sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Elevate will provide a much-needed next phase of recovery for youth who have exited trafficking and are ready to begin the process of finding stable and meaningful employment – a key step to one’s socio-economic well-being that many survivors have not had.”
– Karen Todd
Executive Director, BridgeNorth Women’s Mentorship and Advocacy Services
“We are incredibly excited and grateful for the Government of Ontario’s investment through the WELL Fund to combat human trafficking. Supporting survivors means more than safety, it means real economic opportunity! This funding allows us to expand trauma-informed supports and empower women to reclaim independence, feel empowered and build safer futures.”
– Haily MacDonald
Executive Director, Huronia Transition Homes
“Women belong in every part of Ontario’s construction industry – not only entering the trades, but staying, advancing, and leading. Through the WELL Fund project, we are investing in the people and the workplace culture needed to make that possible. By expanding Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment training, strengthening mentorship opportunities, and building leadership pathways for women across the province, this initiative will help create safer, more inclusive job sites and a stronger construction workforce for the future.”
– Marc Arsenault
Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer, Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario