Ontario and Canada Investing More Than $228 Million to Protect Workers and Key Industries

April 10, 2026

DUFFERIN-CALEDON – The Ontario government, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is investing more than $228 million over the next three years to help workers and businesses respond to the impacts of the U.S.  tariffs and global trade disruptions.

Through the new Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response, up to 27,000 workers across Ontario will be able to retrain, upgrade their skills and remain competitive in sectors affected by tariffs and economic uncertainty.

This investment will help protect jobs in manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, natural resources and other sectors that are important to our local economy.

“Many families and businesses in Dufferin-Caledon are feeling the impacts of global trade disruptions and rising economic uncertainty,” said Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon. “This investment will help local workers gain new skills, remain employed and continue building strong careers, while giving businesses the support they need to retain experienced staff.”

Ontario will deliver these supports through Skills Advance Ontario (SAO), which helps workers stay employed, retrain for in-demand jobs and build new skills. The program also helps employers keep valued employees during periods of economic uncertainty.

Local businesses and workers in Dufferin-Caledon may be eligible if they are directly affected by tariffs or operate in industries that rely heavily on trade, including:

  • Manufacturing and automotive suppliers
  • Agriculture and agri-food businesses
  • Transportation and logistics
  • Skilled trades and construction

Funding can help businesses provide training for existing employees, support workers participating in Employment Insurance work-sharing agreements and help laid-off workers retrain for jobs in growing sectors such as health care, skilled trades and energy.

Applications are now open and will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Employers, training organizations and employment service providers in Dufferin-Caledon can apply through Skills Advance Ontario. 

For further details, reach out to MPP Sylvia Jones’ constituency office.  

Media Contact

Office of MPP Sylvia Jones

180 Broadway, 3rd Floor, Suite A, Orangeville, ON L9W 1K3

Karol Jakubczak – Constituency Assistant

Karol.jakubczak@pc.ola.org

1-800-265-1603