Ontario Investing $2.2M to Train More Students at Confederation College
for In-demand Jobs in Construction
As part of its plan to protect Ontario and deliver on an ambitious infrastructure plan, the Ontario government is investing $2,238,925 to train up to 267 additional students in construction programs at Confederation College. This investment will strengthen the province's pipeline of highly skilled construction workers that are needed to fulfill the government's ambitious plan to build more homes, highways, hospitals and other critical infrastructure, no matter what comes our way.
“Our government has bold plans to build the Ontario of tomorrow, and it is critical that we have the homegrown, highly skilled workers to get it done,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “From designing roadways to building homes, this investment will ensure our students have the training they need to launch rewarding, in-demand careers that protect and strengthen Ontario's future in the face of economic uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs.”
“I'm happy to see our government investing in construction programming at Confederation College. We need more skilled tradesmen and women to build the critical infrastructure and housing our communities need to grow and thrive. “ said The Hon. Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan. “This investment will help strengthen construction jobs across the region, support local industry, and ensure that students have the training and opportunities they need to succeed right here in Northwestern Ontario.”
This investment is part of the Ontario government's $75M investment to train up to 7,500 students in construction programs such as welding, carpentry and renovation techniques at colleges and Indigenous Institutes and up to 300 new seats for graduate students at universities to train vital urban and land use planners across the province by 2028.
“Confederation College is proud to be part of Ontario's efforts to expand access to education and training in the skilled trades and construction sectors,” said Michelle Salo, Confederation College President. “This investment will strengthen our ability to prepare students with the hands-on skills and real-world experience they need to succeed in these high-demand careers. We are grateful for the province's continued support in helping us build a stronger workforce for Northwestern Ontario and beyond.”
Students interested in careers in construction and planning can visit My Career Journey to learn more.
Ontario's historic $200 billion plan to build requires a strong, highly-skilled workforce to make it happen. To meet this demand and protect Ontario workers in the face of U.S. tariffs, the government continues to make strategic investments in education and training opportunities to support key sectors and launch rewarding careers in the skilled trades and other in-demand sectors.
Quick Facts
• There are approximately 240 construction-related techniques and technician programs offered at Ontario postsecondary institutions.
• Ontario is home to six universities that offer accredited graduate-level planning programs.
• Ontario has a ten-year, $190 billion infrastructure plan to build homes, highways, hospitals and community infrastructure that is needed to support the province's growth.
• On July 29, 2025 the government announced an investment of $260M to launch the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund, supporting the hiring, training and upskilling of workers in manufacturing, health care, construction, automotive and other skilled trades.
• 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.
Ontario Investing Over $800k to Expand Nursing Enrollment in Thunder Bay - Atikokan
Investment in the nursing program at Lakehead University will train up to 80 more nurses to connect people to care in Thunder Bay - Atikokan
The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its plan to protect the province's health-care system by investing $800,320 to expand enrolment in nursing programs at Lakehead University. This investment will help build the pipeline of highly skilled nurse practitioners, registered nurses and registered practical nurses that are needed to meet the growing need for more nurses in Thunder Bay - Atikokan hospitals, long-term care homes, community health centres and primary care clinics.
“I'm pleased to see this investment in nursing education in Thunder Bay,” said the Hon. Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan. “By expanding enrolment at Lakehead University, we're helping more students gain the skills they need to build meaningful careers in health care while strengthening the delivery of care in our hospitals, long-term care homes, and clinics. This investment ensures that people across Northwestern Ontario can access the quality care they deserve.”
“Nurses are an integral part of Ontario's health care system, providing life-saving and compassionate care when patients need it the most,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through this investment, our government is growing our critical health care workforce and protecting Ontario's access to excellent care, close to home, now and into the future.”
This funding is part of a larger $56.8 million investment to expand enrolment in nursing programs across the province, adding 2,200 nursing professionals to Ontario's health care workforce by 2029 to meet the growing need for more nurses in Ontario hospitals, long-term care homes, community health centres and primary care clinics.
“Our government is continuing to take bold action to protect Ontario's health-care system,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By ensuring more people can become nurses in Ontario, we are building on our progress to strengthen the province's world-class nursing workforce for years to come.”
As part of this investment, Ontario is expanding registration in online nursing pathways. These programs will enable personal support workers and registered practical nurses to advance their education and continue serving their communities.
"We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for this investment in nursing education. By adding new seats at Lakehead, we can train more nurses with the skills and compassion needed to serve Northern Ontario, Simcoe County, and communities across the province.” Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice Chancellor, Lakehead University” This support strengthens our ability to prepare graduates who are ready to make an immediate impact in Ontario's health-care system."
As a critical step in connecting everyone in Ontario to excellent care, our government continues to make decisive investments into college and university programs that strengthen our workforce of tomorrow and protect Ontario for generations to come.
"Our government is improving long-term care by training, hiring and retaining thousands of health-care workers,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “As a Registered Nurse, I know how impactful these investments will be to ensure we have the staff to deliver high quality care to Ontario's long-term care residents.”
Quick Facts
• Since 2018, Ontario has supported a record-breaking number of new health-care professionals in joining the workforce, adding nearly 100,000 new nurses to the workforce, with another 30,000 students currently studying at Ontario colleges and universities to become nurses.
• Through the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, the government is increasing the number of nurses, paramedics and medical laboratory technologists in communities of greatest need across the province.
• Since its launch in 2023–24, the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant has provided over $95 million in support to more than 8,200 students.
• Through this investment, 15,000 users will be able to register in the online nursing pathway programs.
• This investment also includes $7.5M for universities to upgrade their nursing equipment and laboratory facilities.
• In June, Ontario announced it is expanding its nursing workforce with a $4.2 million
I asked the leaders some questions at the media event.
Kevin Holland MPP
“ We seen some really good investments in NW Ontario and have more on
the horizon- but the whole the world has been affected by some of the
activities happening south of the border. We have to navigate through
them. It is unfortunate because we are at the cusp of realizing a lot
of opportunities. That is not to say we aren't going to see them happen
but as in life you have to adjust to realities you weren't expecting.
I'm fully confident we will be able to put the plans in place to
stabilize our communities and business in these turbulent times and to
position us for the growth once the tide turns and I believe it will
turn.”
“ We seen some really good investments in NW Ontario and have more on
the horizon- but the whole the world has been affected by some of the
activities happening south of the border. We have to navigate through
them. It is unfortunate because we are at the cusp of realizing a lot
of opportunities. That is not to say we aren't going to see them happen
but as in life you have to adjust to realities you weren't expecting.
I'm fully confident we will be able to put the plans in place to
stabilize our communities and business in these turbulent times and to
position us for the growth once the tide turns and I believe it will
turn.”
Michelle Salo, President of Confederation College
“ Our international students enrollment is down significantly- 75%
compared to 2023. Domestic student enrollment is up a little and our
indigenous student enrollment is up which makes us very happy.”
“ This enrollment situation drives us into a deficit postion this year
and going forward so we have taken a number of measure to reduce costs
with program suspensions.There is some work we are doing across the
province with the Minister to maybe support some funding changes so we
are very hopfull.”
Gillian Siddell President and Vice Chancellor of Lakehead University
“ We are down a little on international students with our enrollment
but we are holding our own and things are going well.”
“ If you drive along Oliver Road you will see our new Animal Education
building is under construction. We are also repurposing some existing
space in building for labs, students spaces and offices. I am super
excited to see construction under way as it been a long time coming. We
should have a completed building next summer.”
