The Ontario government is supporting workers' training and workforce resilience through the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund Training Stream. Through an investment of more than $7.1 million across four training projects, Ontario aims to help more than 1,800 workers and jobseekers access specialized training and prepare for rewarding, in-demand careers in policing, emergency response, security and technology. These projects will provide specialized training, employment supports and wellness resources to first responders, veterans, military families and other frontline workers, helping strengthen the workforce that keeps Ontario communities safe and resilient.

"When our communities need them most, first responders are there to keep Ontario families safe, just as our veterans have dedicated their lives to protecting our country and way of life," said Trevor Jones, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. "We're proud to stand behind these brave men and women by investing in the skills and support they need to take on new challenges and build rewarding careers. By investing in those who serve and protect us, we're building stronger communities and a safer Ontario for everyone."

Minister Jones was joined by a representative of the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association, which is receiving more than $3,450,000 to equip 1,550 firefighters with advanced Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) skills. With a focus on rural, northern and Indigenous communities, this project will combine hands-on training, innovative AR/VR technology and partnerships with organizations like the Canadian Red Cross to strengthen emergency response capabilities across the province.

"The brave men and women who serve on the frontlines of public safety answer the call each and every day to protect Ontario and keep our communities safe," said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. "Our government will always have their backs, and that means ensuring they have the training, skills and support they need to succeed. By investing in our firefighters, police officers, veterans and other frontline workers, we are strengthening the very people who protect our province and building a safer, stronger Ontario for generations to come."

Through SDF Training Stream Round 6, the Ontario government is also partnering with three other organizations to deliver training and workforce development opportunities to:

• The Police Association of Ontario, in partnership with Canada Beyond the Blue, is receiving $747,000 to strengthen the health, wellness and resilience of Ontario's policing community. Through the development of the Beyond the Blue Workplace Resilience Program Suite (WRPS), police members and their families will have access to clinical supports, care navigators, trauma-informed leadership development, and occupational therapy-informed return-to-work planning. The Beyond the Blue Return to Purpose Guide will further support police members navigating recovery and reintegration following workplace injury, trauma or operational stress. A new digital learning hub will expand access to education, training and leadership resources, while increasing the reach of these supports to police services and associations across Ontario, with particular attention to police members and families in remote and underserved communities.

• CODING4VETERANS which is receiving $1,995,000 to provide 100 members of the Canadian Armed Forces community, including military reservists, spouses and family members, with tuition-free online training in software development, cybersecurity and next-generation artificial intelligence. Delivered provincewide, the program will provide approximately 650 hours of instructor-supported training per course, hands-on learning, mentorship and career supports, including career coaching, resume development and job-search assistance.

• Caliburn Solutions Limited which is receiving $987,800 to help 60 retired military personnel, military family members and retired first responders prepare for careers in Ontario's growing security sector. Participants, particularly individuals with disabilities and those living in rural and remote communities, will receive Security Guard Licence training, advanced security certifications, mentorship, employability supports and connections to employers. The project also includes safety equipment, wraparound supports and paid work placements to help participants transition into sustainable careers as security guards, identity fraud specialists and security systems specialists.

The new SDF Training Stream Round 6 projects have been evaluated, selected and will be delivered through a strengthened program that aligns with recommendations from the Auditor General's 2025 program review. These enhancements include:

• Tracking longer-term employment outcomes at three, six and 12 months to better measure success and improve program monitoring.
• Increasing transparency by requiring applications to disclose the use of registered lobbyists and consultants, with information verified against Ontario's Lobbyists Registry.
• Strengthening project selection through a more rigorous project screening, risk assessment and evaluation process.

Above and beyond the Auditor General's recommendations, the ministry also implemented new tools for risk management and due diligence, including analyzing individuals associated with applications, in addition to the organization.

The enhanced SDF Training Stream Round 6 is part of the government's plan to Protect Ontario by ensuring workers are prepared with the skills needed for in-demand careers. By investing in training and upskilling projects, the government is helping protect Ontario workers and communities by building the skilled workforce needed to stronger, more resilient communities.

"We thank the Ontario government and the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for investing in Ontario's professional fire fighters through the Skills Development Fund," said Greg Horton, President of the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association. "First Response Ready will turn that investment into real frontline capacity by giving fire fighters stronger emergency medical response skills, developing instructors within our fire services and improving the care we can provide when our communities need us most."

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