TORONTO — Skills Ontario is asking for continued investments in its skilled trade and technology programming from the provincial government ahead of the 2026 Economic Budget.
Specifically, it is looking for the following:
- Funding to aid the development of a permanent Skilled Trades & Tech exploration facility;
- increasing support for the Skills Ontario Competition, including the maintenance, securing of materials and rental fees for holding the event; and
- increasing the funding for the Skills Development Fund.
“Ontario’s skilled professionals continue to be critical in keeping our economy, our health care system, and our society operating. We are making a difference in dispelling the myths and improving the image of skilled professionals thanks to the support and partnership of the provincial government,” said Ian Howcroft, the CEO of Skills Ontario, in a statement. “Through this work, more people have a far different view of what these essential careers are and realize how important these skills are.”
In a separate letter to Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, Skills Ontario also called upon the province to “continue supporting Ontario’s public colleges through increased funding to sustain the current infrastructure at the colleges supporting skilled trades and technology training in order to meet the significant labour market demands.”
