MORRISBURG — The Ontario government is investing over $750,000 in South Stormont to deliver enhanced fire safety training for local firefighters and increase training capacity for workers and apprentices in the operating engineering trades.
“Our government is working with our local partners to deliver better training, so Ontarians can land better jobs with bigger paychecks. That includes today’s investment to modernize and expand IUOE’s training program, to equip the next generation of operating engineers with the skills and experience we need to build Ontario’s bright future,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Here in eastern Ontario and across the province, firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our communities, which is why we’re investing in enhanced fire safety training to ensure all local firefighters are serving at the highest safety standards. We’re proud to partner with the firefighting community to ensure these frontline heroes have the training and supports that they deserve, as we continue to serve those who serve.”
This includes investments through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) and Apprenticeship Capital Grant (ACG), including:
- The Corporation of the Township of South Stormont: $140,623 through SDF for training to ensure all 69 local firefighters attain their National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 certifications. The training will include a combination of in-class and on-site training for fire and hazardous training, First Aid, and CPR, and other safety essentials.
- The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Training Institute: $617,058 through ACG to increase and enhance local training and upskilling for apprentices and workers with the latest technology and equipment, including a new excavator. By being able to invest in the latest technology and equipment, IUOE will deliver modernized, cutting-edge training and upskilling for local apprentices and workers in Morrisburg, giving them the skills and experience they need to operate equipment that will become more industry prevalent in the coming years.
“Investing in our communities means investing in our future. With over $750,000 dedicated to training workers in South Stormont, we are not just enhancing skills; we are empowering lives,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry. “By ensuring our firefighters are certified and our construction apprentices are equipped with the latest tools, we are building a safer, more skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges ahead.”
The government continues to strengthen protections for firefighters across the province, including proposing legislative changes in Working for Workers Five, Act to expand presumptive coverage to firefighters and fire investigators for skin cancer and lower the service time required for firefighters to receive compensation from 15 to 10 years, bringing Ontario to the lowest required duration of service in the country.
In June 2023, Ontario expanded presumptive occupational cancer coverage for firefighters and fire investigators to include primary site thyroid and pancreatic cancers, making it faster and easier for them to access WSIB compensation and services. The government’s Working for Workers Four Act, 2024 lowered the required employment period for primary-site esophageal cancer from 25 to 15 years, the lowest duration of service in Canada.
October 11 is the deadline to apply for the government’s fifth round of SDF Training Stream, the largest round since the fund launched in 2021 with up to $260 million in available funding. With the fifth round of SDF Training Stream and the Capital Stream, this brings the government’s investment up to $1.4 billion to grow Ontario’s workforce for in-demand careers in the skilled trades.