The province of Ontario has allocated almost $3.9 million towards four training initiatives aimed at assisting women, including those who have survived domestic violence, in preparing for high-demand skilled trade professions. A significant portion of the Skills Development Fund budget will support Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, aiding 42 women who have experienced gender-based violence in training for roles such as carpentry and machine mechanics.
Following a critical audit in October 2025 that highlighted flaws in the selection process of the $2.5-billion fund, the government has implemented stricter oversight measures. The audit revealed that the Labour Minister’s office, led by David Piccini, played a significant role in awarding funds to underperforming applicants, some of whom had engaged lobbyists without proper justification.
The enhanced oversight procedures now encompass mandatory lobbyist disclosures and more thorough project assessments. Noteworthy recipients of the fund include a Toronto emergency shelter that received over $900,000 to support 100 survivors of gender-based violence in pursuing training opportunities as HVAC technicians, gas fitters, and other construction-related trades.