Industry minister announces $250 million to train workers for emerging sectors

Ottawa is launching a $250 million training program targeting skills needed for high-growth sectors, federal Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said Friday.

The program, funding for which was announced in the 2021 budget, will help 15,000 mid-career workers to transition into new positions in sectors including clean tech, cybersecurity and bio manufacturing, he said. 

"I'm one of those who believe that we have everything that the new economy needs and wants. It starts with people," Champagne said. 

The Upskilling for Industry Initiative will be delivered through not-for-profit organization Palette Skills, which was chosen after a call for applications that closed last year, the minister said.