Thursday, May 8, 2025
The Government of Ontario announced it is expanding its Skills Development Fund (SDF) by nearly $1 billion over the next three years, for a total of $2.5 billion. This funding will help train and reskill Ontario workers, including those directly impacted by layoffs resulting from tariffs and ensure they have the necessary support to find good-paying jobs and help strengthen Ontario’s economy.
“We’re already seeing the impact of President Trump’s tariffs and the economic uncertainty he has created on Ontario workers,” said Premier Doug Ford, making the announcement at the 2025 Skills Ontario Competition & Career Exploration Showcase in Toronto. “My message to these workers and their families is clear: We’ll always have your backs. Today’s announcement of a further $1 billion in SDF funding is just the latest step in our plan to protect Ontario by investing in workers and making sure they have the support they need to succeed, no matter what comes our way.”
To help Ontario workers gain in-demand skills and practical hands-on experience, the government is expanding the Skills Development Fund by $955 million over three years starting in 2025–26.
This includes $705 million in new funding through the upcoming 2025 Ontario Budget to train more workers through the SDF Training Stream, building on the additional $100 million announced in January 2025. These funds will support more projects that will help build Ontario and protect workers and jobs in industries expected to face pressures from U.S. tariffs, including manufacturing and health care.
Through the upcoming 2025 Ontario Budget, the government is also providing $150 million over three years starting in 2025–26 to support increased demand in the SDF Capital Stream. This investment will help more organizations build, expand and retrofit their training facilities to deliver better training programs and help more workers get better jobs and bigger paycheques.
“Ontario’s prosperity is built with the hands of skilled workers,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through the Skills Development Fund, our government is making historic investments in the training, tools and supports that workers need to succeed. Ontario’s greatest competitive advantage is our highly skilled, world-class workers and today’s investment strengthens their paycheques and ensures Ontario remains strong in the face of global uncertainty.”
The province is protecting Ontario’s workers against U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty. These new investments through the Skills Development Fund brings the total SDF funding commitment to $2.5 billion, continuing to demonstrate the government’s support for major industries and sectors while training the workers needed to build and strengthen Ontario’s economy.
“Skills Ontario applauds the investment the Ontario government is making into skilled trades to build the provinces future workforce. The Skills Development Fund has proven to be an excellent vehicle to develop and deliver skills solutions to address the challenges we face. The Ford government must be commended for its leadership and commitment to growing the economy and improving our quality of life,” said Ian Howcroft, CEO, Skills Ontario.
Started in 1989, the Skills Ontario Competition offers a unique opportunity for top students to demonstrate that they are the best of the best in their skilled trade or technology field.
Over the two days, competitors will turn the heads of their educators, family, friends and prospective employers as they compete in over 75+ different skilled trade and technology contests.
Featured image: Premier Doug Ford speaks at the 2025 Skills Ontario Competition & Career Exploration Showcase in Toronto May 6, 2025. (Government of Ontario)
