Quotes "As an organization, our goal is to help people achieve positive change. Our team works diligently to support justice-involved individuals to secure meaningful and gainful employment. With support from the government, we continue to work with amazing local employers and community partners who are willing to give our participants the second chance they need to realize their dreams." - Donna de Jong Executive Director, John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area "Minister McNaughton continues to demonstrate his leadership and vision by today’s further investment to support the skilled trades and other critical industries. This announcement reflects his understanding and appreciation of the important contributions of the skilled trades to the prosperity of Ontario." - James Barry Executive Secretary Treasurer IBEW Construction Council of Ontario "Minister McNaughton’s unwavering support for Ontario’s Building Trades workers is highly commendable. Today, Minister McNaughton is once again following up his strong words with strong action." - James Hogarth President, The Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario "We are thrilled that the Province of Ontario and Minister Monte McNaughton have taken the much needed commitment to prioritize funding opportunities for youth in conflict with the law – with a bold $90 million Skills Development Fund Round 3. It is to the disadvantage of all Canadians when we limit the opportunities for hiring, training or retaining workers with a criminal history, backgrounds and records. With a significant labour shortage and an urgent need for highly skilled workers, we must find ways to create pathways to economic mobility for youth in conflict with the law. We highly encourage innovative and market-driven partnerships between community organizations and the private sector. We hope that Ontario’s philanthropy community can amplify the potential impact of the Skills Development Fund by matching contributions to successful applicants." - Yonis Hassan Chief Executive Officer, Justice Fund "On behalf of all the workers at Heddle Shipyards across the great province of Ontario, I would like to thank Minister McNaughton, Premier Ford, and the entire Ontario Government for their support, which has facilitated job creation and the training and upskilling of over 300 workers to date. Together, we are accelerating the modernization of Ontario shipyards, which has given us a competitive advantage over other jurisdictions. This government is truly working for the province’s workers and is responsible for bringing shipbuilding back to Ontario." - Shaun Padulo President & CEO of Heddle Shipyards "The Skills Development Fund has proven transformational for Good Roads' municipal and First Nation members. With this funding, Good Roads was able to quickly design and deliver training that responded to market conditions while also providing public works professionals with the skills needed to keep our roads in good repair and get Ontario moving on the road to post-COVID recovery." - Scott Butler Executive Director, Good Roads "Mitacs welcomes today's announcement of the next round of funding under the Ontario government’s innovative Skills Development Fund. Ongoing investment in skills is a critical component of ensuring that Ontario has the talent it needs to drive innovation and economic growth. As a proud partner of his Ministry’s efforts in this area, we thank Minister McNaughton for his ongoing leadership in making skills development a priority." - Dr. John Hepburn CEO, Mitacs "This investment provides the kind of support our member companies need to help close the skills gap. It will allow employers to hire more skilled tradespeople from apprentices to supervisors to help build Ontario’s infrastructure. It will also allow more apprentices and workers to get the kind of modern, flexible training that’s required for the 21st century." - Stephen Hamilton Director, Public Affairs, Ontario at the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) "Today’s announcement is great news for the equine industry; great news for rural Ontario and especially great news for the folks who now have a legitimate pathway to any number of careers in a multi-billion dollar homegrown sector. On behalf all the hard working individuals and families who have dedicated their lives to an industry they truly love, it is my honour to thank Minister Monte McNaughton, his incredible staff and of course, Premier Doug Ford. The Premier and the Minister have remained true to their promise to support workers and Ontario’s rural economy. Their unwavering commitment has meant everything to our equine agricultural industry. Together with our incredible partners, OHHA will continue to get it done for workers, employers, rural communities and the horses in our care." - James Whelan Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA) president "Made possible because of the Skills Development Fund, the Town of Lincoln‘s Youth Skills Studio is a program geared toward supporting youth employment and skills development and has been exceptionally successful. Through strategic investments and a hyper-focus on training youth and small business support, the Ministry has been innovative and forward thinking, making measurable impacts across Ontario. " - Mayor Sandra Easton Town of Lincoln |