PLT Canada celebrates investment in Ontario’s Forest Sector Workforce

September 29, 2025

Ottawa, O.N. — Premier Doug Ford announced the Government of Ontario’s investment in the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream on Sept. 22, 2025. This funding is part of the government’s $2.5 billion investment through the SDF to protect Ontario workers by giving them the tools they need to land rewarding, good-paying jobs while keeping Ontario competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs. 

“PLT Canada is thankful for this opportunity to grow Ontario’s workforce in the forest sector! Thanks to funding from the Skills Development Fund, we are well equipped to support more than 200 young adults with the skills, training or employment opportunities to thrive in an increasingly competitive global sector,” said Kathy Abusow, President and CEO, PLT Canada. “PLT Canada has placed more than 2,800 young adults under 30 in the forest sector in Ontario since 2018 and we are proud to collaborate with our partners in government and industry to further our work in Ontario.” 

PLT Canada is receiving support to help youth from underrepresented communities pursue careers in Ontario’s forest-products sector. The program combines mentorship, career readiness training and employer engagement to promote inclusive workplaces and prepare participants for in-demand roles in forestry and manufacturing. 

This program builds on PLT Canada’s existing career pathways work. Since 2018, PLT Canada has placed more than 8,100 young adults in green jobs, including 1,200 Indigenous youth from across 100 communities. Additionally, PLT Canada has supported over 650 participants in mentorship programs. 

You can read the original announcement here.

This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.