Ontario Provides Support for Workers in the Face of Economic Uncertainty

ACCES Employment welcomes today’s announcement that skills training will be easier to access and more responsive to changing workforce demands. Through our continued work meeting employer needs and removing employment barriers for skilled jobseekers, we recognize the impact this investment will have in helping build a resilient and ready labour force that can power the economy now and for the future.

Skills for Change is proud to support the leadership of Premier Doug Ford and the Hon. David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, for improving access to Better Jobs Ontario. This program is lifechanging, as it materially improves participants’ chances to access critical training that will keep them employed. Accessing a good job with a strong paycheque provides dignity to workers and allows them to raise strong families in Ontario. We are proud to partner with the Ford government and support his mandate to protect workers, communities and Ontario.

At Skilled Trades College, we applaud the Government of Ontario’s enhanced investments in POWER and Better Jobs Ontario. These forward-thinking initiatives will remove barriers, increase access to training and provide jobseekers with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive workforce. By supporting proactive, community-based training and expanding funding for in-demand skills, the province is creating real opportunity for individuals and families across Ontario. We are proud to support Minister Piccini’s efforts to build a stronger, more resilient workforce.

We welcome the Government of Ontario’s enhancements to the POWER and Better Jobs Ontario programs. At Dixon Hall we see firsthand the impact that timely, accessible employment and skills training services have on those with high and complex barriers. These initiatives will allow us to support individuals earlier, offer more flexible training options and strengthen community partnerships. As we work to deliver critical, lasting solutions that help people build skills and secure meaningful employment, these positive changes will be vital to strengthening the futures of those we serve.

On behalf of Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto, we commend Minister Piccini and the Government of Ontario for these forward-looking proposed enhancements to both Action Centres and Better Jobs Ontario. In the face of economic instability and a rapidly evolving labour market, such initiatives ensure that we're not just responding to workforce disruption but staying ahead of it. They ensure a more proactive, accessible and inclusive employment system, one that meets people where they are, removes barriers and creates real pathways to in-demand careers. This is about empowering workers with the tools, training and support they need to adapt, grow and thrive in tomorrow’s economy.

We applaud these proactive steps our government is taking. Early access to comprehensive and well-coordinated employment and skills training through POWER will allow Ontarians to consider options and make effective transitions to in-demand sectors before the possibility of layoffs occurs. The updates to the Better Jobs Ontario program will also make a big difference to the job-seeking clients we meet with every day. Some are looking for opportunities for longer-term training aligned with market needs, but they require additional financial support to see it through. They will be happy to hear that this is now possible. Thank you, Minister Piccini and the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, for your continued commitment to strengthening our workforce and driving the growth and prosperity of Ontario.

The POWER and Better Jobs Ontario enhancements reflect a meaningful shift toward a more responsive workforce development system and demonstrate the province’s commitment to timely and inclusive support for workers. Ensuring these investments are in place will lead to faster, more equitable access to training and employment pathways. These enhancements will not only strengthen Collège Boréal’s capacity to support jobseekers and employers across the province, but they will also allow us to activate a broad network of employment service delivery agents as the Service System Manager for Northeastern Ontario.

JVS Toronto serves more than 16,000 jobseekers each year and we applaud the Ontario government’s $70 million investment in POWER and Better Jobs Ontario. These enhancements will expand access to support and training, helping job seekers connect to in-demand careers and thrive in today’s labour market.

As one of the largest employment service providers and social service agencies in Toronto, WoodGreen welcomes enhancements to the Better Jobs Ontario and the newly transformed POWER centres. Increasing the Better Jobs Ontario training duration from 52 weeks to up to two years will allow for vulnerable populations to receive tuition support for longer programs that have internships and pathways to meaningful employment.

Youth Employment Services applauds the Government of Ontario’s enhancements to POWER and Better Jobs Ontario. With these enhancements, the Government of Ontario continues to show its commitment to helping employ more Ontarians, create safer, stronger communities and change lives.

Achēv congratulates the Ontario government’s action to make it easier for workers to access training and supports and help them return to the workforce faster. The enhancements to Better Jobs Ontario announced today will help put more of our employment services clients on a faster path to prosperity.