Toronto Pearson, United Way Greater Toronto and Peel Region are investing a combined $1 million in workforce development programs aimed at helping workers affected by economic disruption find new employment opportunities, including those in the automotive and manufacturing sectors.
The investment will initially fund a one-year pilot program expected to support about 200 workers, including people affected by layoffs at Stellantis in Brampton. Called Peel Gateway for Employment, the initiative will provide career coaching, skills development, employment preparation and job placement assistance to help participants transition into jobs across the Pearson Economic Zone.
The partners said the broader investment will also support additional workforce development projects, with details to be announced later.
Pilot targets displaced workers
The program is intended to connect workers with employers seeking talent while helping participants build on their existing skills and experience. It comes as trade and tariff uncertainty and changes in the manufacturing sector create employment challenges for workers in Peel Region and the Greater Toronto Area.
"The Pearson Economic Zone is one driver of our regional economy, stimulating thousands of jobs and businesses," said Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson. "Together with United Way Greater Toronto and Peel Region, we're responding with immediate action to the pressure felt by workers and businesses due to trade and tariff uncertainty. By facilitating skilled workers' transition to new career paths, labour market transition and matching with employers, we're contributing to the resiliency of the Pearson Economic Zone."
Beginning in fall 2026, the pilot will draw on Toronto Pearson's employer relationships and knowledge of regional labour demand, United Way's community connections and expertise, and Peel Region's workforce system and funding role.
The partners will work with employers, labour organizations, community agencies and training providers to coordinate employment support and training opportunities. The approach is intended to help displaced workers access new career paths while giving businesses access to qualified candidates.
"Too many skilled workers across Peel and the Greater Toronto Area are being displaced by a rapidly changing economy, despite having the skills and experience to contribute," said Nation Cheong, Vice President, Community Opportunities and Mobilization, United Way Greater Toronto. "Through our partnership with Toronto Pearson and Peel Region, we're helping connect these workers to new opportunities in the Pearson Economic Zone. It's about opening pathways to quality jobs, strengthening our local workforce, and helping individuals and families build lasting economic stability."
Peel Region Chair Nando Iannicca said the initiative is intended to address employment challenges arising from manufacturing changes and broader trade disruptions while helping employers find skilled workers.
"The economic challenges facing workers in Peel, including those affected by changes in the manufacturing sector and broader trade disruptions, require proactive and collaborative solutions," said Iannicca. "Through Peel Gateway for Employment, we are helping residents transition into in-demand careers while supporting employers with access to skilled talent. This partnership demonstrates how we can work together to strengthen economic resilience, create pathways to opportunity and ensure Peel remains a place where people and businesses can succeed."
Employment organizations to support delivery
The initiative was officially launched Nov. 9 at an event at the Unifor Power Centre in Brampton. Representatives from the three partners joined government, labour, employer and community organizations to mark the start of the pilot.
WCG Services and ACCES Employment are among the organizations involved in supporting the employment initiative.
Deborah Childs, Director Strategic Partnerships at WCG Services, said the program will bring together employers, community organizations, training providers and funders to coordinate workforce development efforts.
"This pilot demonstrates the value of bringing employers, community organizations, training providers, and funders together to address workforce challenges in a coordinated way around a shared goal. We are all focused on creating direct pathways to quality employment," said Childs. "By coordinating industry demand with targeted training and wraparound employment supports, we're helping displaced workers and job seekers connect to real opportunities.
ACCES Employment President and CEO Paula Calderon said the initiative builds on the organization's existing relationship with Toronto Pearson and extends its employment work beyond the airport into the broader economic zone.
"ACCES Employment is proud to build on our long-standing partnership with Toronto Pearson and our shared commitment to connecting people with meaningful employment," said Calderon. "Together, we have helped jobseekers bring their skills and experience to opportunities at the airport, and we're excited to extend that work into the broader Pearson Economic Zone, supporting displaced workers across Peel Region as they take their next steps. We're grateful to Toronto Pearson, United Way and the Region of Peel for their investment in this important work."
The $1-million commitment is intended to support a broader program of workforce development initiatives, with Peel Gateway for Employment serving as its first project.