Ontario Supporting Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Get Training and Land Jobs in Whitby

August 29, 2025

Melly’s Market + Café will receive $872,000 to help people of varying abilities gain the skills needed to work in the service industry

News | August 29, 2025

Whitby — The Ontario government is investing $872,000 through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Whitby get the skills they need to land good-paying, in-demand jobs in office administration, customer service, and manufacturing and processing sectors.

This funding is a part of our broader effort to strengthen Ontario’s workforce, improve productivity, and protect workers from U.S. tariffs. This investment underpins our government’s $2.5 billion investment to promote better training, better jobs, with bigger pay cheques.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in the tools, training, and resources needed to keep our workforce strong,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through targeted funding, we’re strengthening our supply chains, growing a job-ready workforce, and building the foundation for a more self-reliant and productive province – one that can compete, deliver, and win.”

In partnership with Melly’s Workplace, the Raising the Bar, Year 2 – Unlocking potential in the Disability Community for Labour Market Growth project will expand on the successful model developed in Round 4 of the Skills Development Fund. This project takes a data-driven, person-centred coaching approach to preparing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for long-term, meaningful employment. The project is designed to scale across industries and geographies in Ontario, with trained coaches delivering tailored, supportive employment pathways.

“Melly’s Workplace empowers individuals of all abilities to develop confidence, gain valuable skills, and achieve their goals. That’s why our government is proud to support this next phase of Melly’s important work through the Skills Development Fund.” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “By expanding opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Whitby and the Region of Durham, we’re helping build a more inclusive, supportive, and prosperous community; one where everyone has a chance to succeed.”

The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is open to a wide range of applicants, including employers, industry associations, labor unions, hospitals and many more. The funding announced today builds on our government’s mission to protect Ontario and ensure it remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

“Every day, we witness the skill, dedication, and passion that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities bring to the workplace. What they need is opportunity. We are deeply grateful for the Ontario government’s $872,000 investment through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream. This funding will expand our person-centered coaching model, delivering hands-on training and work experience that breaks down barriers and creates clear employment pathways for over 75 eager youth and adults. Our program equips participants with over 200 hours of training and development and over 100 hours of practical work experience, and real-world practice in applying, interviewing, and navigating hiring processes. This funding also strengthens our partnerships with employers across the Durham Region and the GTA, transforming opportunities into meaningful jobs. Work is more than a paycheque, it’s about belonging, purpose, and independence. Our participants arrive early, train diligently, and, with this support, gain the skills, confidence, and experience to thrive. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive Ontario workforce where everyone can contribute and succeed.”

– Aimee Ruttle and Ellen McRae, Co-Founders and Directors, Melly’s Workplace, Market + Café

Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect more than half a million jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find good-paying and fulfilling careers close to home.

Quick Facts

•So far, the Skills Development Fund Training Stream has supported over 1,000 training projects across the province.

•Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s SDF Training Stream has aimed to help over 700,000 workers train for in-demand sectors, including over 154,000 construction workers, over 124,000 manufacturing workers and over 52,000 personal support workers and health care workers.

•People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.

•The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

•As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the Ontario government is investing an additional $1 billion through SDF to grow the trades workforce and build Ontario, bringing Ontario’s total investment in the SDF to $2.5 billion.

Additional Resources
•Skills Development Fund Training Stream
•Skills Development Fund Capital Stream
•Employment Ontario: Free Programs and Services for Job Seekers, Workers and Employers
•Skilled Trades in Ontario

MEDIA CONTACTS
Eric Hutchins

Office Manager

Lorne Coe MPP

Whitby

Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org

905-430-1141