Ontario proposes legislative changes to accelerate training centre construction
The Ontario government has announced plans to introduce legislative and regulatory changes designed to speed up the construction of Skills Development Fund (SDF) training centres. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development said these proposed changes are intended to support workers affected by U.S. tariffs and economic disruptions by making it easier to establish new training facilities in the province.
The proposed measures are relevant to local residents because they may impact how quickly new training opportunities become available, especially for those affected by changing economic conditions or job market disruptions linked to international trade issues.
According to the Ministry, the amendments would exempt SDF Capital Stream-supported training centres from certain land use planning permit and approval requirements that can delay construction. The Ministry stated that this exemption would not apply to health and safety-related permits, such as those required under the Ontario Building Code and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, which will remain in effect.
Other proposals include a requirement for job posting platforms to implement systems for reporting fraudulent job postings. The Ministry said this measure aims to protect workers as they look for employment. Another proposed change would remove certain barriers in public procurement specifically for construction projects that use Chief Prevention Officer-accredited health and safety management systems. In addition, the Ministry announced plans for a new electronic employer portal for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, which is scheduled to launch in summer 2025 and will allow for direct electronic applications from employers.
The Ministry stated these proposals are part of a broader legislative package that builds on previous Working for Workers Acts introduced since 2021. The government indicated that more details on this package will be released in the coming days.
According to background information from the Ministry, the Skills Development Fund Training Stream is jointly supported by the federal and provincial governments, while the SDF Capital Stream receives funding solely from Ontario. The Capital Stream has two pathways: SEED, which provides funding for planning new training facilities, and GROW, which supports the construction, upgrades, and expansion of training infrastructure. The government reports that applications for funding new or renovated training centres under the Capital Stream are currently being accepted.
Industry representatives, including Adam MacGillivray of Iron Workers Local 759 and Andrew Tarr of UA Local 787, were cited in the announcement as supporting the proposed reduction in permitting requirements and the potential for expedited construction of training facilities.