THUNDER BAY – BUSINESS & ECONOMY – Ontario Premier Doug Ford was in Thunder Bay today for several announcements.
The Premier announced today that the provincial government is investing over $4 million in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario through the Skills Development Fund (SDF).
This is partly to ensure Northwestern Ontario workers have the needed skills training to compete despite the threats to Ontario and to Canada by United States President Trump.
The funding will prepare nearly 500 workers for skilled jobs in construction, industrial, mining, and transportation sectors, addressing economic pressures arising from U.S. tariffs and ongoing economic uncertainties.
“We are protecting Ontario workers by giving them the training they need to land better jobs with bigger paycheques,” said Premier Doug Ford during the announcement in Thunder Bay. “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.”
Investment to Support Local Unions and Indigenous Communities
The funding announced today includes significant investments in local union-based programs:
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IBEW Local 402 will receive $805,182 to deliver in-class and on-the-job training for aspiring electricians, primarily focused on the industrial and mining sectors in Northwestern Ontario. Successful participants will be offered apprenticeships upon completion.
Craig Peterson, Business Manager of IBEW Local 402, praised the investment, noting: “This support marks a significant step toward helping more people across Northwestern Ontario access meaningful, long-term opportunities in the electrical trades. As demand for skilled tradespeople continues to grow, this funding directly supports Ontario’s goal of building a stronger, more resilient workforce.”
Other funded projects include:
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Behind the Wheel – Superior North Driving Academy: Receiving $960,190 to provide essential driver education (G1, G2, G licensing) across 10 Indigenous communities, directly addressing transportation access, a critical barrier to employment.
Chris Sousa, Director of Operations, said: “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. We’re building long-term capacity where it’s needed most.”
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LiUNA Local 607: Awarded $920,825 to train women for high-demand residential construction roles, specifically targeting youth, Indigenous peoples, and other diverse groups.
Andy Nieweglowski, Training Director at LiUNA Local 607, said the response has been “staggering,” adding, “We are on the right track for developing a highly skilled workforce.”
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Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education: Granted $863,460 to deliver Red Seal carpentry apprenticeships and heavy-duty equipment technician training for Indigenous participants in six remote First Nations communities.
Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, emphasized: “Through targeted investments like these, 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. We’re not only advancing economic reconciliation, we’re protecting Ontario’s future prosperity.”
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Ironworkers Local 759: Receiving $530,755 to enhance hands-on welding training capacity, doubling their facility’s capacity and adding modern equipment.
Adam MacGillivray, Business Manager at Local 759, noted the investment plays a key role “in preparing our apprentices with the skills they need to succeed and meet the growing demands across the province.”
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Millwright Local 1151: Securing $186,130 to provide specialized industrial and construction training, including certifications such as Working at Heights.
Christian Pepin, Business Representative, emphasized the value of hands-on training, stating: “This funding will allow apprentices opportunities to train on equipment prior to getting onto a job and gives seasoned journeyperson millwrights a chance to refresh their skills.”
Strengthening Northwestern Ontario’s Economy
The total investment brings Ontario’s commitment to training projects in Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario to $147.1 million through the Skills Development Fund.
Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini highlighted the broader strategy: “Through targeted investments in innovative training projects, we’re building a stronger, more resilient workforce and ensuring Ontario remains competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs.”
Thunder Bay–Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland added: “By investing in organizations like IBEW 402 and LiUNA 607, and extending training into Indigenous and remote communities, we’re opening doors, building local talent, and ensuring that Northwestern Ontario has a strong workforce for the future.”
Mohamed Firin, Parliamentary Assistant to Minister Piccini, also noted, “Our government is protecting Ontario’s workers and keeping our economy competitive.”
More Funding Opportunities Available
Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has supported over 700,000 Ontarians since its launch in 2021. In the 2025 budget, Ontario committed an additional $1 billion to the fund, bringing total investments to $2.5 billion.
Organizations interested in applying can visit the SDF Training Stream website for further details.
