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Ontario spending $4.3 million to help veterans transition to in-demand jobs in civilian life

The Ontario government is investing $4.3 million in four training projects designed to help 356 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members prepare for in-demand jobs and transition to civilian life.

Every year, 8,000 Canadian Armed Forces members are released from service, it said in a press release.

“Men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces give their all for this country. When the time comes to hang up their uniform, they deserve to know help will be there,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

The programs will prepare veterans for well-paying careers in in-demand sectors like healthcare, skilled trades, software development, cyber security, and others. The first project, led by True Patriot Love Foundation, will help 130 jobseekers land meaningful jobs in healthcare. They will also be partnering with 40 Ontario employers from a variety of sectors to educate and inform them on the benefits of hiring veterans and best practices for reducing barriers to employment.

“Many of our Veterans can find the transition to a new career post service challenging; bringing with it changes in community, potential loss of purpose and a need to align skills learned in the military with opportunities in the civilian sector,” said Nick Booth, chief executive officer of True Patriot Love Foundation. “As Canada’s Foundation for the military community, True Patriot Love welcomes this investment in supporting Veterans in post-service employment, and we applaud the Ontario government’s commitment to supporting those who served.”

The other three projects are led by Coding for Veterans, Helmets to Hardhats and the Roland Gossage Foundation, benefitting 226 jobseekers. They will offer a variety of tailored supports, technical training, bootcamps, mentorship, apprenticeship referrals and counselling. These projects will focus on preparing veterans for lucrative careers in industries like software development, IT and construction.

“Our Veterans have made tremendous sacrifices for our freedoms, and as always, we have their backs,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “That’s why we proudly support Veterans and their families through funding of the Soldiers’ Aid Commission to help them access mental health services and supports, transition to civilian life, and find new careers.”