Richmond Hill — In response to the growing impact of U.S. tariffs and mounting economic pressures, the Ontario government is proposing a series of legislative changes to protect workers and fast-track the development of new training centres under the province’s $2.5 billion Skills Development Fund (SDF).
Speaking Monday, Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Minister David Piccini said the upcoming measures will help ensure that training investments reach workers faster—particularly those at risk of layoffs due to cross-border trade tensions.
“Ontario workers are counting on us to have their backs by helping them access the skills training they need to stay on the job, despite the impact of U.S. tariffs,” said Piccini. “We’re making sure our $2.5 billion investment in SDF is going directly to the workers who need it most.”
The proposed amendments would exempt SDF Capital Stream training centres from select permit and land-use planning requirements, while maintaining critical safety-related reviews under the Ontario Building Code and Fire Protection and Prevention Act. This change aims to speed up construction timelines and get workers training-ready facilities sooner.
In addition to streamlining training centre construction, the government is proposing several other pro-worker changes, including:
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Fraud reporting tools on job posting platforms to protect against deceptive job ads
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Fewer barriers for implementing accredited workplace health and safety systems in construction procurement
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A new online portal for Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) employer applicants to streamline submissions
These measures will form part of the government’s next Working for Workers legislative package — the seventh since 2021 — and are expected to be formally introduced in the coming days.
“We’re putting Ontario workers first by making it easier to get shovels in the ground faster, keeping our province strong and competitive,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “With U.S. tariffs threatening our economy, we’re taking decisive action to train our workers and protect good-paying Ontario jobs.”
The government’s larger plan continues to position Ontario as the most competitive jurisdiction in the G7 to invest, grow businesses, and secure long-term employment.
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