Ontario will spend $70 million to help workers affected by U.S. tariffs and trade policies access expanded training and employment services, the provincial government announced Wednesday.
The funding includes $20 million for new Protect Ontario Workers Employment Response (POWER) Centres and $50 million to enhance the Better Jobs Ontario program, according to the government. The initiative aims to help displaced workers quickly retrain for in-demand careers while building economic resilience against trade uncertainty.
“Ontario has the best workers in the world. When their livelihoods are threatened by decisions in Washington, we won’t leave them behind,” said Premier Doug Ford.
Proactive response to layoffs
The POWER Centres represent an expansion of existing ministry-supported action centres, with new capabilities to launch proactively before layoffs occur and respond within 24 hours, according to the government. The centres will partner with unions, community organizations, colleges and universities to connect affected workers with training opportunities and job search assistance.
Currently, 10 action centres operate across Ontario, helping almost 15,000 workers annually with services and supports, the government said.
“We are very excited to see that Minister Piccini and this government are enhancing their ability to help workers through the POWER Centres program,” said Kevon Stewart, director for District 6 and Atlantic Canada with the United Steelworkers union.
Enhanced training funding
The Better Jobs Ontario program will receive $50 million to expand access to vocational and skills training. Job seekers can now receive up to $35,000 for costs including tuition, transportation and child care, with training programs extended from one year to a maximum of two years.
Since January 2021, nearly 16,000 job seekers have received retraining support through Better Jobs Ontario, according to the government.
The program targets job seekers facing employment challenges, including youth and people receiving social assistance. Individuals can apply for up to $28,000 for training lasting one year or less, and up to $35,000 for longer programs.
Industry support
Employment service providers across the province expressed support for the enhanced programs.
“Skills training will be easier to access and more responsive to changing workforce demands,” said Allison Pond, president and CEO of ACCES Employment.
The announcement comes as Ontario manufacturers face pressure from U.S. trade policies. Hamilton, where the funding was announced, serves as one of the province’s largest manufacturing hubs.
Broader workforce investment
The $70 million allocation forms part of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, which received nearly $1 billion in funding over three years in the 2025 provincial budget. The total Skills Development Fund investment now reaches $2.5 billion, according to the government.
Both POWER Centres and Better Jobs Ontario operate through labour market transfer agreements between the federal and provincial governments.
“U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty are threatening some of our most vital sectors here in Hamilton,” said Neil Lumsden, MPP for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek.
