Ontario and Canada Investing over $203,000 to Protect Steel Workers in the Hamilton Area

HAMILTON — The governments of Ontario and Canada are partnering to invest more than $203,000 through the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response to help protect steel and manufacturing workers in the Hamilton area. The funding will help 75 workers and jobseekers upgrade their skills, transition to in-demand careers and ensure employers have the skilled workforce they need to grow and succeed. Today’s investment is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to protect workers and key industries from U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty, including the $228.8 million Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response, which will expand training and employment supports for up to 27,000 workers across the province.

“Ontario is fighting back against President Trump’s attacks on our economy by helping our workers retrain, upskill and stay competitive,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “These investments are giving workers the skills they need to succeed, helping employers find the talent they need to grow and strengthening the industries that keep our communities moving. The best response to tariffs is a stronger Ontario economy, and that is exactly what we are building.”

Ontario will deliver the funding through Skills Advance Ontario, which partners with employers and training providers to help workers transition into in-demand careers. Delivered by Learning Connections Hamilton through its Skill Pathways for Work project, the training will provide participants with skills assessments, individualized training plans, digital skills upgrading, training referrals, case management and support accessing certifications and short-term training required for employment.

“For generations, workers in Hamilton’s steel and manufacturing sector have helped build a stronger Canada. At a time of global economic uncertainty and trade disruptions, we will be there to help them navigate what comes next,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. “The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario are helping workers access training that connects them to jobs, builds new skills and seize new opportunities. Together, we are ensuring workers can prosper today, while positioning them to lead in tomorrow’s economy.”

Today’s investment builds on Ontario’s broader support for workers in Hamilton’s steel and manufacturing sectors. The United Steelworkers Action Centre first opened in August 2007 and was converted to a POWER Centre on March 23, 2026 to provide enhanced rapid-response employment and transition services to workers affected by layoffs, workplace closures and downsizing. Workers and jobseekers can access supports such as individualized employment assessments, job-search support, training opportunities and connections to community services by visiting 1031 Barton Street East in Hamilton, Ontario or by calling 905-548-9197. The centre builds on more than two decades of workforce adjustment services delivered through the Hamilton Steelworkers Adjustment Committee, which has assisted more than 14,000 workers since its inception.

Workers affected by layoffs and economic disruption in Hamilton can also access free employment services to help with job searches, career planning and skills development. Through Better Jobs Ontario, eligible workers can receive up to $35,000 in financial support for skills training programs of up to two years, helping them retrain for in-demand careers and transition to new employment opportunities. Together, these supports help workers at every stage, whether they need immediate assistance following a layoff, help finding a new job or training to start a new career.

Ontario continues to take decisive action to protect workers, businesses and communities in the face of global trade disruptions. By investing in skills training and helping employers retain experienced staff, the province is strengthening key industries and building a stronger, more competitive and resilient economy that can create good-paying jobs for generations to come.

• Ontario and Canada are investing $203,735 through Skills Advance Ontario in the Skill Pathways for Work project, delivered by Learning Connections Hamilton, to support 75 workers and jobseekers affected by disruptions in Hamilton’s steel and manufacturing sectors. Funding is provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response.
• Through the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response, the Government of Canada is investing $228.8 million over three years to provide Employment Insurance (EI)-funded skills training, employment and transition supports for workers affected by tariffs and global market shifts, helping up to 27,000 workers across Ontario.
• As of October 2, 2026, Ontario and Canada are currently supporting 17 SAO projects across Ontario aiming to protect over 2,000 participants from sectors especially impacted by tariffs.
• Through Employment Ontario, workers and jobseekers can access free employment services and training programs online, by phone or by chat and at more than 700 service locations across Ontario. In 2025-26, the Employment Ontario network helped more than 602,000 Ontarians.
• Ontario programs like Protect Ontario Workers Employment Response (POWER) Centres, Better Jobs Ontario and Integrated Employment Services are also receiving additional funding through the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response.
• POWER Centres are part of Ontario's recent $20 million investment to strengthen supports for workers affected by, or at risk of, layoffs, providing coordinated employment services, training opportunities, adjustment supports and connections to community resources.
• Through Better Jobs Ontario, Ontario supported nearly 4,300 Ontarians last year, including over 140 in the Hamilton area, to train for in-demand careers and connect with new employment opportunities.
• Through Integrated Employment Services, Ontario helped over 237,000 Ontarians work towards finding employment in the last year, including over 22,700 in the Hamilton-Niagara area.
• In 2025, the Ontario Government launched My Career Journey, an online portal designed to support students and job seekers finding in-demand jobs in the face of U.S. tariffs, ensuring Ontario has the skilled workforce needed to protect and drive our economy.
• Through Budget 2025, the Ontario government invested $75 million to train up to 7,800 additional students at colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes across the province for in-demand jobs in construction and urban planning.
• In May, the Ontario government announced $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 more seats for in-demand programs at publicly assisted colleges and universities, including skilled trades. This is part of the government’s new long-term funding model, which will bring $6.4 billion to our colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes.
• The Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response builds on approximately $644 million in annual Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) funding, provided by the Government of Canada through a bilateral agreement with Ontario to support EI-funded employment services, skills training and job-search assistance for Ontarians.