The Ontario PC Government is once again standing up for workers and delivering real results for Northern Ontario.
Premier Doug Ford was in Thunder Bay to announce over $4 million in new Skills Development Fund (SDF) investments to train nearly 500 people for rewarding, in-demand jobs in construction, mining, transportation, and the skilled trades. This funding will help workers gain the skills they need to land better jobs with bigger paycheques—while helping Ontario stay competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty.
This latest investment builds on the PCs’ proven track record in Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario, bringing the total SDF funding in the region to an impressive $147.1 million.
Key local projects include:
- IBEW Local 402 – $805,182 to train aspiring electricians for the industrial and mining sectors
- Behind the Wheel – $960,190 to provide driver training for Indigenous youth across 10 Northern communities
- LiUNA Local 607 – $920,825 to prepare more women for in-demand construction jobs
- Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education – $863,460 for Red Seal carpentry and heavy equipment training in six remote First Nations
- Ironworkers Local 759 – $530,755 for expanded welding training
- Millwright Local 1151 – $186,130 to certify workers in construction and industrial sectors
The Ontario PC Party is investing in workers, growing the economy, and protecting our future. With a $2.5 billion total investment through the Skills Development Fund—including $1 billion committed in Budget 2025—we’re training more workers, supporting more industries, and making sure Ontario stands strong no matter what comes our way.