Posted On: August 25, 2026, Posted By: Village Media, NewmarketToday, Original Article.
The Ontario government is providing $4.8 million to fund three workers training projects in Simcoe County and surrounding area, the minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development is to announce in Aurora at Blue Door Support Service this morning.
The funding through the sixth round of the skills development fund training stream aims to help 400 underrepresented job seekers access training and prepare for rewarding, in-demand careers in one of Ontario’s fastest growing areas, a news release said.
The projects will deliver practical skills training, work experience, mentorship and employment supports to help workers and job seekers prepare for in-demand careers in agriculture, long-term care and the skilled trades, ensuring Ontario has the skilled workforce needed to stay competitive and resilient in the face of U.S. tariffs, the government said.
“Supporting Simcoe and the surrounding area means making sure Ontario workers and businesses are ready to compete and succeed, especially as President Trump continues to threaten Canadian jobs with damaging tariffs,” said Minister David Piccini.
“We’re not going to let President Trump’s tariffs dictate Ontario’s future. Through the skills development fund, we’re breaking down barriers, connecting more people to in-demand careers and giving employers the skilled talent they need to grow,” said Piccini.
“The best way to fight back is to build a stronger Ontario economy, one where our workers have the skills to succeed, our businesses have the talent to expand and our communities are ready to compete with anyone, anywhere.”
Piccini was joined by representatives from Blue Door Support Service, which is receiving $3,637,864 to help 200 vulnerable, unemployed and unhoused job seekers in Simcoe County prepare for in-demand careers.
Through their eight-week program in York, Durham and Peel Regions, participants will receive skills training, wraparound supports and hands-on experience to pursue careers in the skilled trades, agriculture and long-term care, strengthening the local workforce employers and growing communities rely on. Participants can apply online.
“Funding from Ontario’s skills development fund to support Blue Door’s skilled trades training program, Construct, is pivotal for vulnerable job seekers facing barriers to employment and the risk of homelessness,” said Debbie Schatia, CEO at Blue Door.
“Funding provides participants with in-class and hands-on training as well as individualized supports such as food, transportation, and psychotherapy to remove barriers and in a matter of weeks, secure quality, in-demand, well-paying trade careers.”
Through training stream round six, the Ontario government is partnering with two other organizations to deliver training and workforce development opportunities across Simcoe County and surrounding areas:
- Botree Inc. is receiving $813,700 to train 125 women and people from underrepresented groups for careers in long-term care, including as personal support workers and other front-line care professionals, helping improve care quality in nursing and residential care facilities across the region. Participants will be recruited through participating long-term care homes and employer partners to ensure training is aligned with local hiring needs.
- The Karma Project Community Food Co-Operative Inc. is receiving $417,000 to provide 75 at-risk youth with hands-on, technical training, preparatory activities and mentorship to prepare for careers in agriculture and strengthen the workforce behind one of Simcoe County’s key industries. Interested individuals can apply by phone 1-705-506-8899 or email soltosoul@live.com.
The new projects have been evaluated, selected and will be delivered through a strengthened program that aligns with recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2025 program review, the government said. These enhancements include:
- Tracking longer-term employment outcomes at three, six and 12 months to better measure success and improve program monitoring.
- Increasing transparency by requiring applications to disclose the use of registered lobbyists and consultants, with information verified against Ontario’s Lobbyists Registry.
- Strengthening project selection through a more rigorous project screening, risk assessment and evaluation process.
The ministry has also implemented new tools for risk management and due diligence, including analyzing individuals associated with applications, in addition to the organization.