Ontario investing over $7.1 million to support veterans, military personnel and first responders

“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.”

Quick Facts

• People interested in participating in the projects announced today should contact the lead organization directly.
• Through Rounds 1-5, Ontario’s SDF Training Stream has helped more than 120,000 participants find employment within sixty days of completing their program.
• Rounds 1-5 of the SDF Training Stream supported more than 1,000 training projects and aimed to help over 700,000 workers gain the skills needed for good-paying jobs in high-demand sectors.
• Through Rounds 1-5, we have invested $107 million in 79 projects that are aiming to help over 15,000 frontline workers such as police officers, firefighters and members of the Canadian Armed Forces train, upskill and advance in rewarding careers that protect Ontario workers.
• Ontario is also continuing to support Helmets to Hardhats. Since 2024, their Employment Service for Veterans project has worked to help 400 veterans, reservists and military family members gain access to safety training and employment opportunities in the skilled trades.
• The Skills Development Fund Training Stream Round 6 is funded exclusively by the Government of Ontario.
• Through Rounds 1-5 of the SDF Training Stream, Ontario has invested $702.3 million in 486 projects in the GTA, aiming to help over 308,000 people take the next step in their careers.

Quotes

“Oakville is home to first responders and military families whose experience is an asset to our community and Ontario’s workforce. I am proud to see our government working with these organizations to help more people build on that experience and pursue rewarding careers. Supporting their next step is an investment in our community and in our province’s future.”

– Stephen Crawford
Member of Provincial Parliament for Oakville

“Ensuring first responders and emergency management professionals have the training and resources they need is part of our ongoing work to protect Ontario. Our government is committed to supporting the dedicated individuals who work every day to help prepare for and respond to emergencies.”

– Jill Dunlop
Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response

“Our government’s investment of more than $7.1 million through the Skills Development Fund will help train over 1,800 workers and jobseekers for in-demand careers in emergency response, security and technology. Since being elected, our government has continued to invest in training and upskilling Ontario’s workforce, supporting firefighters, police officers, veterans and military families. By equipping frontline workers with the skills and resources they need, we are strengthening emergency response capabilities and building safer, more resilient communities here in Oakville North-Burlington and across the province.”

– Effie J. Triantafilopoulos
Member of Provincial Parliament for Oakville North – Burlington

“SDF funding has opened the door to our programs for many individuals who might otherwise face barriers to accessing education and training. Traditional funding pathways do not always accommodate reservists, military spouses, or certain CAF veterans, leaving many without a funded route to pursue further education. Through SDF, we have been able to reach more Ontario residents, providing them with the opportunity to develop meaningful, in-demand skills and take the next step toward rewarding careers in technology.”

– Jeff Musson
Executive Director, Coding for Veterans

“Following a rigorous selection process, we are honoured to be chosen to deliver advanced security training to veterans, first responders and their families. Our strong team includes the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, Wounded Warriors, Edtek Services and other partners. We look forward to working with Minister Jones and the Ford Government to serve those who have served us.”

– Emilee Alpaugh
Executive Director, Caliburn Solutions Limited

“We are deeply grateful for this vital investment in the wellbeing and resilience of Ontario’s police personnel and their families. With the support of the Skills Development Fund, our partnership will deliver innovative programs, ranging from clinical care and peer supports to trauma-informed leadership training and a new digital learning hub, that will help protect the health and well-being of our members. This funding recognizes the unique challenges faced by those who serve our communities and demonstrates a meaningful commitment to building a stronger, healthier policing community across Ontario.”

– Mark Baxter, President, Police Association of Ontario and Dilnaz Garda, President, Canada Beyond the Blue