As part of its commitment to prepare people for jobs, the Ontario government is launching a review of its slate of training programs to ensure workers are developing the in-demand skills that employers are looking for. The Workforce Development and Training Review, announced this afternoon by Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton, will include consultations with industry, employers and other partners who play a role in hiring, training and retraining talent.

Toronto - Mar. 11, 2020: As part of its commitment to prepare people for jobs, the Ontario government is launching a review of its slate of training programs to ensure workers are developing the in-demand skills that employers are looking for.

The Workforce Development and Training Review, announced this afternoon by Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton, will include consultations with industry, employers and other partners who play a role in hiring, training and retraining talent. The review will study how to improve existing skills training programs, including the Second Career and the Canada-Ontario Job Grant, as well as other workforce development system features, like local workforce planning.

"In a world of global competition and rapid technological change, it is essential that Ontario's workers and businesses remain competitive," said Minister McNaughton. "That is why we will work closely with experts from the labour, training and education sectors and from employers to learn how we can ensure that Ontario has the talent to prosper today and in the future."

The review will also provide the foundation for the province's first workforce development and training action plan, which will provide a roadmap for ensuring Ontario workers have the skills to find good, high-quality jobs in a changing economy. Ontario's approach follows other jurisdictions in Canada and around the world, who have responded to technological advancement and workforce changes by developing comprehensive workforce development strategies.

"To make our economy fit for the future, we need to support all Ontario workers," said Minister McNaughton. "Be it postsecondary education, apprenticeship, job training and retraining, employer-driven training, life-long learning, skilled immigration - we can't afford to leave any stone unturned if we want to make sure our economy remains competitive, and that Ontario workers are prepared for jobs and opportunities to come."

"Labour and skills shortages are the manufacturers’ top concern. Two-thirds of manufacturers have issues today finding the workers they need and 75 per cent expect significant labour shortages in the next five years. Specifically, manufacturers struggle to retain and attract youth and to find workers with the right skills. We welcome the Government of Ontario’s review of workplace training programs to help address the labour and skills shortages and achieve economic prosperity in Ontario." — Mathew Wilson, Senior Vice-President, Policy and Government Relations and Ontario, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)

"From skilled trades to production and sales staff, more than three quarters of Ontario’s small business owners report having trouble hiring the employees they need. Because of the lack of qualified labour, small employers across the province have been forced to turn down new business, limit investment and delay expansion plans. We are pleased that the ministry is reviewing workforce development and training programs to help ensure that employers and employees have the tools they need to keep Ontario open for business and look forward to participating in the coming consultations." — Ryan Mallough, Director, Provincial Affairs Ontario, Canadian Federation of Independent Business