Ontario Helping Workers Access Skills Training Faster
May 26, 2025
Province cutting red tape to speed up construction of training centres and support workers impacted by tariffs and economic uncertainty
RICHMOND HILL — The Ontario government will soon introduce a series of proposed changes to protect workers, including cutting red tape to accelerate the construction of Skills Development Fund (SDF) training centres at a time when these centres are needed to support workers impacted by U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty. The government is also proposing a number of other measures that would support workers, including workers who are directly impacted by tariff-related layoffs or other disruptions.
“Ontario workers are counting on us to have their backs by helping them access the skills training they need to stay on the job, despite the impact of U.S. tariffs,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We’re making sure our $2.5 billion investment in SDF is going directly to the workers who need it most and we will continue fighting to protect Ontario workers no matter what comes our way.”
To ensure Ontario builds a competitive and resilient workforce that is ready for whatever comes the province’s way, the proposed legislative and regulatory amendments would exempt training centres supported by the SDF Capital Stream from certain permit and approval requirements that can slow down construction and impede Ontario’s ability to quickly build essential training facilities. By exempting these projects from certain items related to the land use planning system, while maintaining health and safety focused permits and approvals such as those under the Ontario Building Code and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, training partners will be able to get these centres built and start training workers faster.
Other proposed changes to support workers include:
- Requiring job posting platforms to have mechanisms to report fraudulent job advertisements to ensure workers are not exploited throughout their pursuit of work.
- Keeping workers on the job by eliminating unnecessary barriers for construction projects required to implement Chief Prevention Officer (CPO)-accredited health and safety management systems as part of the procurement process. This will increase competition and accelerate project timelines.
- Allowing Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (ONIP) employer applicants to submit their applications directly and electronically to the new ONIP employer portal that will launch in Summer 2025.
The proposal is part of a larger proposed package that will expand on the ground-breaking actions across six previous Working for Workers Acts since 2021 and which will be unveiled in the coming days. This latest package will help protect Ontario workers and the economy for the long-term, create safer workplaces for a stronger workforce and fight worker abuse by cracking down on bad actors. This is all part of our plan to protect Ontario by supporting workers, cutting red tape and making Ontario the most competitive place in the G7 to invest, create jobs and do business.
Quick Facts
- The Skills Development Fund Training Stream, training and support centres and Employment Ontario are supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
- The Skills Development Fund Capital Stream is funded exclusively by the Government of Ontario.
- The Capital Stream has two pathways. The new SEED pathway of the Capital Stream helps fund the development of capital plans for training facilities and complements the already established GROW pathway that continues to support projects to build, upgrade and expand new training infrastructure.
- The Skills Development Fund Capital Stream is currently accepting applications to help build new training centres and renovate existing ones.
Quotes
“We’re putting Ontario workers first by making it easier to get shovels in the ground faster, keeping our province strong and competitive. With the U.S. tariffs threatening our economy, we’re taking decisive action to train our workers and protect good-paying Ontario jobs.”
– Rob Flack
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
“In today’s economy, the ability to build and expand union training centres without unnecessary hurdles is essential. These facilities are where we train the workforce that builds Ontario—especially in times of transition. Streamlining the process will help us get shovels in the ground faster and deliver results where they’re needed. And we can do it on time, on budget and most importantly, safely.”
– Adam MacGillivray
Business Manager / FS.T., IRON WORKERS LOCAL 759
“On behalf of Local 787, we are pleased with the Government’s intent to legislate the removal of permitting requirements needed to build critical training infrastructure. This move, if passed in the House, will allow training partners, such as Local 787, to get shovels in the ground more easily, faster, on time and on budget. All of this will help train and keep more skilled trades workers in Ontario. We commend the leadership of Premier Doug Ford and the Hon. David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for their leadership.”
– Andrew Tarr
Business Manager, HVAC&R Workers of Ontario, UA Local 787
“These proposed changes show the commitment of Minister Piccini and Premier Ford on training the next generation of skilled workers. LiUNA Local 506 welcomes these changes as they are necessary to increase the capacity of training and skills development that is needed to build our schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure. By removing the unnecessary processes that resulted in increased costs and timely delays, new facilities will be built faster providing the training space for the workers who are building Ontario.”
– Carmen Principato
Business Manager, LiUNA Local 506
“The Ontario Road Builders Association welcomes the Ministry’s commitment to ensure ISO 45001 and COR® 2020 are treated equivalently for public procurements. Our members are dedicated to the highest standards of health and safety, and addressing equivalency recognition will help reduce unnecessary duplication while ensuring robust oversight. This move will continue to promote competition in the industry and ensure value for money on behalf of Ontario taxpayers.”
– Steven Crombie
Senior Director of Public Affairs, Ontario Road Builders’ Association
“We applaud Minister Piccini for his tireless work to ensure that Ontario’s occupational health and safety management systems accurately and fairly reflect construction industry’s realities. Legislating equivalencies between ISO and COR in Ontario will provide consistency, stability and predictability while removing unnecessary regulatory burdens and continuing to promote and prioritize the health and safety of all workers.”
– Peter Smith
Executive Director, Heavy Construction Association of Toronto (HCAT)
“The Carpenters’ Regional Council and UBC Local 93 are pleased to see the Ontario Government streamlining land use planning requirements to expedite the approvals processes for current and future SDF Capital projects. By reducing the timelines for permits to get shovels in the ground, we will be able to deliver bricks and mortar upgrades to our state-of-the-art Carpenters’ Union Training Centres more quickly, adding more apprenticeship seats for young people to pursue rewarding careers in the skilled trades. As we move to increase our self-reliance in the face of the uncertain economic reality south of the border, these changes will ensure Ontario continues to create more jobs and less red tape.”
– Marco Van Mechelen
Coordinator, UBC Local 93
“Premier Ford and Minister Piccini are taking decisive action to recognize the thousands of construction companies that are investing in and creating safe workplaces for their employees. This legislation will ensure that all construction companies with a Ministry-accredited health and safety management system in Ontario have the opportunity to bid and build the critical infrastructure Ontarians rely on.”
– Patrick McManus
Executive Director, Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association