As Ontario's EV push continues, Doug Ford announces funding for skilled labour training in northern Ontario

Provincial ministers capped a three-day tour of northern Ontario on Friday by joining Premier Doug Ford in Thunder Bay as he announced funding for skilled labour training in the region.

The province says it is spending nearly $17 million through the Skilled Development Fund (SDF) to train 36,000 workers and support jobs in mining, construction, energy and forestry.

The announcement was made at Ironworkers Local 759, which is receiving more than $644,000 to build a new training centre with welding facilities for 150 participants to undertake structural ironwork.

"We want better and bigger pay cheques to bring home to their families. It will help build the homes, schools, hospitals, highways and other critical infrastructure that the region needs," Ford said during Friday's news conference.

WATCH| Doug Ford speaks about the funding in Thunder Bay:

Doug Ford announces funding for skilled labour training in northern Ontario during visit to Thunder Bay

2 months ago

Duration 2:23

The province says it is spending nearly $17 million through the Skilled Development Fund (SDF) to train 36,000 workers and support jobs in mining, construction, energy and forestry as Ontario gears up for expected mining projects.

"It's another important step as we work together to unlock Northern Ontario's tremendous economic potential."

Other funding recipients include:

• $10 million for Agnico Eagle Mines Limited to train people in partnership with Matachewan First Nation, Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Moose Cree First Nation.
• More than $3 million for Science North to build a new training facility in Sudbury.
• More than $1 million for Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 397 to build a training centre for sheet metal workers and roofers.
• More than $1 million for Keewaytinook Okimakanak to recruit, train and mentor members of six First Nations.
• More than $580,000 for Northern Centre for Advance Technology to deliver training programs focused on skills and safety knowledge.

Earlier in the week, provincial ministers David Piccini, George Pirie, Sam Oosterhoff, and Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland were in Timmins and Sudbury, speaking with mining companies, trade unions and training facilities.

Ford calls this 'massive win' for First Nations

Mining was a key focus of the announcement, as Ford spoke of his aspirations to grow the province's electric vehicle (EV) industry.

"We now are the number one destination in the world to invest when it comes to the EV sector, and it's all tied to the north," said Ford. "While we say if you don't have the infrastructure, you don't have anything, but as I always say, we can't build infrastructure and we can't attract investments if we don't have the workers," he said.

WATCH | Thousands march on Queen's Park to protest mining development:

Thousands protest mining exploration on Indigenous land in Ontario

12 months ago

Duration 2:01

Thousands of Indigenous people people gathered at the Ontario Legislature to demand a face-to-face meeting with Premier Doug Ford. They say the province has allowed thousands of mining applications without their knowledge or consent.

Meanwhile, members of the First Nations Land Defence Alliance have continued to demand meetings with Ford over a surge of mining claims on their traditional territories, saying they have not given their free, prior and informed consent to staked claims.

"You know, who's going to benefit more than anyone is going to be the First Nations communities," Ford said in response to a question about the Ring of Fire, a crescent-shaped mineral deposit in the James Bay lowlands.

"They're going to have economic opportunities, they're going to have better health care. They're not going to have to worry about having enough diesel to heat their homes throughout the winter.

"We're going to bring energy right up to these First Nations communities and it's just a massive, massive win for them."