February 14th Weekly Update

Ontario Continues to See Job Growth in Key Sectors

Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, issued this statement last Friday following the monthly employment data release by Statistics Canada that showed employment in Ontario increased by 62,800 jobs in January 2023:

“For the fourth straight month, Ontario has seen an increase in new jobs. Since we first took office in 2018, more than 600,000 jobs have been added to the province, and we continue to lead the nation in job creation.

This is a sign that our government’s plan to build Ontario is working, but our hard work will not end there. We cannot take anything for granted and are continuing to work to build a stronger economy and create the conditions for jobs to grow and businesses to succeed in Ontario.

[We’re] investing in our manufacturing sectors. Since 2019, Ontario has provided companies with $74 million to help businesses expand operations and become more globally competitive through the Regional Development Program. This funding has helped to facilitate $804 million in investments for 71 projects that will create more than 1,425 jobs in the province.

To ensure we remain competitive, we have lowered taxes, reduced electricity costs, and cut red tape. Over the last two years, Ontario has attracted $16 billion in investments by global automakers and suppliers of electric vehicle batteries and battery materials, and nearly $3 billion in investments by global biomanufacturers.

We continue to invest in training to help more people launch rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Since the Skills Development Fund launched in February 2021, we have invested $660 million to deliver 388 training projects. These projects have helped more than 400,000 workers and jobseekers take the next step in their careers in in-demand industries.

Building Ontario means building a strong and resilient economy that can weather any storm. No matter what the future may hold, we will be ready. We are leaving no stone unturned as we continue to build a stronger Ontario and work to create new opportunities for the people and businesses across the province.”

Ontario has directed the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to enter into a 20-year contract for the Oneida Energy storage project to support the growth of the province’s clean energy supply.

“I’m thrilled to see so many great partners come together to build this world-class project that will provide affordable, clean energy for generations to come,” said Premier Doug Ford. “With a growing population and as we secure game-changing investments in our economy, our government is supporting innovative and bold energy solutions to meet the increasing demand for power, including battery storage and small modular reactors.”

The Oneida Energy storage project will support the operation of Ontario’s clean electricity grid by drawing and storing electricity off-peak when power demand is low, and returning the power to the system at times of higher electricity demand. The project will begin operations in 2025 and provide enough power to meet the peak demand of a city the size of Oshawa. It will more than double the amount of energy storage resources on Ontario’s clean electricity grid from approximately 225 MW today to approximately 475 MW upon its completion in 2025.

The Ontario government is investing up to $6.5 million to help women and children who have experienced violence and are survivors of human trafficking access the supports and services they need to stay safe and rebuild their lives.

This funding will also help children and youth get the early intervention supports they need to heal from the harmful effects of experiencing and witnessing violence.

“This investment will help to ensure that women and children who are experiencing, or have survived acts of violence will receive the supports they need regardless of where they live in Ontario,” said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “Under Premier Ford’s leadership, we are ensuring that timely intervention and diverse care is available to help our most vulnerable where and when they need it.”

The $6.5 million investment includes:

• Up to $3.6 million for frontline agencies in rural and remote communities to strengthen culturally responsive supports for Indigenous women and reduce barriers for survivors of violence and human trafficking – for example, by providing transportation to and from counselling and legal appointments.

• Up to $2.9 million to increase access to stable and ongoing prevention and early intervention supports for children and youth entering a shelter who have been exposed to violence. These supports are delivered by frontline service providers, such as child and youth workers, early childhood educators, and culturally specific service providers.

“Our government is breaking down barriers so women who have experienced violence can receive the help they need no matter where they are in the province,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “This investment will ensure women and children have access to timely and effective care, whether they live in a rural community or are concerned about the care their children will receive once they arrive at a shelter.”