The province has announced it will invest almost $3.9 million into training initiatives aimed at helping women, including those who have survived domestic violence, transition into skilled trade professions that are in high demand.
Ontario Labour Minister David Piccini was at Emterra Environmental in Kitchener on Wednesday to share the news.
“Right now, we need more people in the skilled trades. You won’t achieve this without drawing women into these fulfilling careers,” Piccini stated after the announcement.
“The $3.9 million for this area will assist women facing additional challenges, especially those escaping domestic abuse, by providing them chances to gain financial independence.”
This funding will support four training programs throughout the province, which include:
Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, set to receive $2,000,048. The Redwood for Women and Children Fleeing Abuse, which will get $914,110. Canadian Association of Women in Construction, receiving $459,675. Metro Labour Education and Skills Training Centre is allocated $496,153.
This funding announcement is part of the province’s Skills Development Fund Training Stream.
Kitchener South-Hespeler MPP Jess Dixon, left, and Jennifer Hutton, CEO of the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. Hutton mentioned that applications for the She Builds program are currently open. (John Dalusong/CBC)
Supporting Survivors of Gender-Based Violence
The funds given to Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region will help 40 women through their She Builds program focused on training and employment opportunities in skilled trades for survivors of gender-based violence.
“We know that women who face domestic violence or gender-based violence often deal with financial abuse as well,” CEO Jennifer Hutton explained.
“Without economic independence opportunities, they’re less likely to leave those harmful relationships.”
She emphasized that creating a career pathway for these women could enable them to escape abusive situations while also addressing the need for more workers in trades.
Hutton acknowledged that traditionally “the trades haven’t always been welcoming towards women.”
“We aim to change that by equipping workplaces with specific training on being trauma-informed and supporting women entering these fields.”
Kitchener South-Hespeler MPP Jess Dixon noted that this funding could be life-changing for many women within our community.
“This isn’t solely about those 40 individuals; it’s about building something larger whose effects will last over time.”
‘We’ll keep making improvements’: Piccini
In October, Auditor General Shelley Spence released a report detailing serious concerns regarding how $1.3 billion from the province’s Skills Development Fund Training Stream was distributed.
Spence criticized the funding selection process as “not fair or transparent” particularly due to heavy involvement from Piccini’s office which awarded money to lower-ranked applications without clear explanations – some even employed lobbyists.
Consequently, the government has stated it has tightened its oversight over the $2.5-billion fund.
Ontario’s Auditor General Shelley Spence released a report in October questioning the fairness and transparency of the selection process run by David Piccini’s office as Labour Minister. (John Dalusong/CBC)
“We recognize and appreciate independent offices’ role in enhancing this program,” Piccini said about the auditor general’s findings during Wednesday’s event.
“We’re improving how we connect employment outcomes three months or six months after job placement by ensuring better scrutiny on applicants and their organizational backgrounds.”
“We’ll continue making enhancements as we roll out investments into communities like those represented here today.”
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