The Ontario government has appointed Dave Cassidy, former President of Unifor Local 444, as the new Skilled Trades Special Advisor (STSA) to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
This move aims to address the growing workforce needs in Ontario’s skilled trades, particularly in the manufacturing and automotive sectors, including the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, David Piccini, highlighted the importance of this appointment, stating, “Ontario’s future is bright, and skilled trades workers are a vital part of that future. Our government has attracted $43 billion in investments in advanced manufacturing, including automakers and EVs. As these sectors grow, we need to prepare our skilled trades workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and that begins with finding out where those jobs are and how we can build a talent pathway to fill them.”
Cassidy’s role will involve assessing the workforce needs in Ontario’s skilled trades and ensuring the province is well-positioned to respond to the rapid development and expansion of the manufacturing and automotive sectors. His work will be supported by ongoing stakeholder consultations to identify issues, challenges, and areas for improvement within Ontario’s skilled trades and apprenticeship system.
“As our province continues to grow and attract new investments, we will need more skilled workers to support these growing industries,” said Cassidy. “Not only will these workers help to build Ontario, but they will build a better future for themselves and their families. That is why I am thrilled to be working alongside Minister Piccini to ensure that Ontario’s workforce is ready to support the jobs of tomorrow.”
Cassidy brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served on Unifor’s National Executive Board and as a Trustee on the National Skilled Trades Council. His career began with an apprenticeship as an electrician, and he has held various positions at the Chrysler Windsor Assembly Plant, including shop floor steward and skilled trades chairperson. His extensive background in the automotive and manufacturing industries equips him with the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of these sectors.
This appointment is part of Ontario’s broader Skilled Trades Strategy, which has seen over $1.5 billion invested in the skilled trades since 2020. The government aims to attract, train, and protect workers, positioning Ontario as a leading destination for work and living. The province is expected to require over 500,000 additional workers in skilled trades-related occupations over the next decade to meet the demands of its rapidly growing industries.
Quick facts about Ontario’s skilled trades landscape include:
- The government has attracted $43 billion in vehicle manufacturing and the EV battery supply chain over the past four years.
- Ontario anticipates needing over 500,000 additional skilled trades workers in the next decade.
- The province is building at least 1.5 million homes by 2031, necessitating more than 100,000 workers in the construction industry.
- As of 2023, manufacturing jobs constituted over 10 per cent of Ontario’s total employment.