Province announces funding for tourism and hospitality workers

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Published November 11, 2020 at 8:15 pm

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The Ontario government is providing $180.5 million to connect workers in the tourism and hospitality sector and others most affected by the pandemic to training and jobs.

According to a news release, the government will be providing $180.5 million to impacted workers. The investment will include a skilled trades strategy, $100 million of dedicated investments through employment Ontario for skills training, a redesigned Second Career program and $59.5 million to acquire in-demand skills.

“These initiatives will help job seekers, particularly those hardest hit by COVID-19, get the support they need,” said Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP for Mississauga-Lakeshore, in a statement. 

The release states that between February and May 2020, employment declined by 15.3 per cent.

While there has been some recovery in jobs, employment in October remained 287,400 jobs below its pre-COVID-19 level and unemployment remained at 9.6 per cent.

“Now is the time to invest in retraining our workers, so that they are ready to contribute to the recovery of our province,” said Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance, in a statement.

The government said it’s planning to invest an additional $180.5 million over the next three years in micro-credentials, employment services and training programs including apprenticeships.

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