Over $2.8 Million to Support Job Training in the Forestry Sector

July 30, 2025

NIPISSING — Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, announced the Ontario government is investing $2,874,898 through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to The Canadian Institute of Forestry to support 75 workers across Northern Ontario get the skills they need to land good-paying, in-demand jobs in forestry, logging, and agriculture-related services. Today’s investment underpins our government’s $2.5 billion investment in promoting better training, better jobs, and higher paycheques.

“As we navigate a shifting economic landscape, disrupted by U.S. tariffs, we remain laser-focused on protecting Ontario workers and job seekers,” said MPP Fedeli. “That’s why we’re investing over $2.8 million to support a project by the Canadian Institute of Forestry, in partnership with College Boréal, to train workers for in-demand roles in the forestry and resource sector, helping grow Northern Ontario’s economy.”

The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is open to a wide range of applicants, including employers, industry associations, labour unions, hospitals, and many more. The funding announced today builds on our government’s mission to protect Ontario and ensure it remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

“We are incredibly grateful for the Skills Development Fund Training Stream in supporting forestry innovation across Ontario. This investment directly strengthens our regional forestry workforce by creating tangible, skills-based training opportunities. Initial conversations about our collaboration with Collège Boréal—focused on training for high-tech harvesting machinery—have already led to overwhelmingly positive feedback from local communities. The program is expected to become a powerful pathway for younger workers to enter the sector with the operational expertise our forests will need. Additionally, our Bridge Training initiatives with Lakehead University, the University of Toronto and the Ontario Professional Foresters Association will further expand career pathways for new and transitioning forestry professionals, supporting the long-term sustainability of Ontario’s forest sector. Together, these programs are equipping the next generation of forest professionals and ensuring the continued vitality of our forestry communities.”- Ken Farr, Interim Executive Director, Canadian Institute of Forestry/ Institut forestier du Canada.

« Afin de contribuer pleinement au développement économique de notre province, l’industrie forestière requiert un plan d’action répondant à la fois à ses besoins de main-d’œuvre qualifiée et encourageant l’insertion professionnelle durable de populations sous-représentées dans ce domaine telles que les femmes, les Autochtones et les nouveaux arrivants et arrivantes. Grâce au soutien du gouvernement provincial, le Collège Boréal est fier de collaborer avec l’Institut forestier du Canada pour offrir des occasions de formation expérientielle destinées à consolider et à faire croître cet important secteur d’activité. » Daniel Giroux – président du Collège Boréal.

“To fully support our province’s economic growth, the forestry industry needs a solid action plan—one that brings in skilled workers and helps underrepresented groups like women, Indigenous peoples, and newcomers build lasting careers in the field. With support from the provincial government, Collège Boréal is proud to join forces with the Canadian Forest Institute to provide experiential learning opportunities tailored to strengthen and grow this vital industry.” – Daniel Giroux – President of Collège Boréal.

In addition, yesterday, our government announced the launch of the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream. This round will provide $260 million for innovative projects that support the hiring, training and upskilling of workers in manufacturing, health care, construction, automotive, and other skilled trades.

Quick Facts

So far, the Skills Development Fund Training Stream has supported over 1,000 training projects across the province.
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s SDF Training Stream has aimed to help over 700,000 workers train for in-demand sectors, including over 154,000 construction workers, over 124,000 manufacturing workers, and over 52,000 personal support workers and health care workers.
People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the Ontario government is investing an additional $1 billion through SDF to grow the trades workforce and build Ontario, bringing Ontario’s total investment in the SDF to $2.5 billion.

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