Ontario Investing Over $4 Million to Protect Workers in Thunder Bay

Press Release

July 31, 2025

Skills Development Fund investments will train nearly 500 workers for in-demand jobs in the face of U.S. tariffs

THUNDER BAY — Today, Premier Doug Ford announced that the Ontario government is investing over $4 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to help nearly 500 people in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas find good-paying jobs in the construction, industrial, mining and transportation sectors. The investment brings Ontario’s total investment in Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario training projects through the SDF to $147.1 million. The SDF protects 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 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, a critical barrier to employment in rural communities.
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 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.

Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s SDF Training Stream has supported over 1,000 training projects to connect more than 700,000 people with training for better jobs with bigger paycheques. As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the Ontario government is investing an additional $1 billion through the SDF to support key industrial sectors. This brings Ontario’s total SDF investment to $2.5 billion to train more workers, support more industries and help our economy stand strong no matter what comes our way.

Quick Facts

People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
On July 29 the Ontario government launched a new call for project proposals for the Skills Development Fund Training Stream totaling $260 million. Interested organizations can visit the SDF Training Stream website.
The SDF Training Stream rounds 1–5 are supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. SDF Training Round 6 is supported exclusively by the Government of Ontario.

Quotes

“Through targeted investments like these, our government is demonstrating our commitment to ensuring First Nations communities across the Northwest have the opportunity to meaningfully participate in Ontario’s growing economy. Together, with community partners like the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education, we’re opening doors for Indigenous peoples to gain the skills and certifications they need to succeed in the trades — right in their own communities. By supporting First Nations participation at every step of Ontario’s end-to-end supply chain, we’re not only advancing economic reconciliation, we’re protecting Ontario’s future prosperity.”
– Greg Rickford
Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships

“This investment through the Skills Development Fund will provide nearly 500 people in our region with the practical training and experience needed to pursue well-paying, in-demand careers. By investing in organizations like IBEW 402 and LiUNA 607, and extending training opportunities into Indigenous and remote communities, we’re opening doors, building local talent and helping ensure that Northwestern Ontario has a strong, skilled workforce for the future.”
– Kevin Holland
MPP for Thunder Bay—Atikokan

“Our government is protecting Ontario’s workers and keeping our economy competitive. By investing in these projects in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas, we’re making sure labour partners across the province are getting the support they need to continue to train the workforce of tomorrow.”
– Mohamed Firin
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

“IBEW Local 402 is incredibly proud to partner with the Province of Ontario and truly grateful for its Skills Development Fund investment in our Tech, Tools and Trades Training Program (T4). This support marks a significant step toward helping more people across Northwestern Ontario access meaningful, long-term opportunities in the electrical trades. As the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to grow across the province, this funding directly supports Ontario’s goal of building a stronger, more resilient workforce. Our T4 program we will broaden access to hands-on training, while energizing the careers of tomorrow’s electricians. This investment ensures the next generation of electrical workers is trained, supported and ready to power Ontario’s future. IBEW Local 402 is proud to help build that future — as we continue to Proudly Wire Northwestern Ontario.”
– Craig Peterson
Business Manager, IBEW Local 402

“This investment is transforming lives and addressing one of the most persistent barriers to employment in Northern Ontario — access to driver licensing and transportation training. With support from the Skills Development Fund, we’re training local instructors and delivering hands-on programming in First Nations and small towns across the Greenstone and North Shore areas. By working closely with Indigenous, municipal and regional partners, we’re building long-term capacity where it’s needed most. This approach is already creating pathways to employment, mobility and economic opportunity and lays the foundation for reaching more communities across Northern Ontario where services are still limited.”
– Chris Sousa
Director of Operations, Behind the Wheel — Superior North Driving Academy

“The Skills Development Fund is significant for LiUNA Local 607 as we address labour and market challenges. With the support of the SDF program, Local 607 can build the much-needed capacity to develop workforce talent focusing on youth, women and Indigenous people. We are currently running a Women in Residential Construction program which includes women from diverse groups throughout the region. The response to this program has been staggering and tells us we are on the right track for developing a highly skilled workforce. LiUNA Local 607 thanks Premier Ford and the Ontario government for the support.”
– Andy Nieweglowski
Training Director, LiUNA Local 607

“On behalf of the Ironworkers Local 759 I would like to thank Premier Doug Ford and the Ontario government for their support through the SDF 5 project. The investment of $530,755 is helping us upgrade our welding equipment and expand our training programs at the Local 759 Training Centre. This support plays a key role in preparing our apprentices with the skills they need to succeed in today’s construction industry and meet the growing demands across the province. We truly appreciate the commitment to skilled trades and the future of Ontario workers.”
– Adam MacGillivray
Business Manager / FS.T., Ironworkers Local 759

“UBC Millwright Local 1151 is grateful for the SDF funding stream set in place by Minister Piccini, Premier Ford and the Ontario government. This funding will allow our new apprentices opportunities to train on equipment prior to getting onto a job, and more seasoned journeyperson millwrights a great chance to refresh their skill sets. Furthermore, it will give youth an opportunity to learn more about the millwright trade. We all benefit from a strong Ontario economy and with these opportunities, our workforce thrives. Our members are fully equipped with the skill set required to take on mission critical work such as nuclear, hydroelectric plants, battery plants and mining to name a few.”
– Christian Pepin
Business Representative, UBC Millwright Local 1151

Additional Resources

Media Contacts

Grace Lee
Premier’s Office
Grace.Lee5@ontario.ca

Michel Figueredo
Minister Piccini’s Office
Michel.Figueredo@ontario.ca

Communications Branch
mlitsdmedialine@ontario.ca

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