Many Ontario businesses have trouble finding workers with the right skills. Others want to grow but do not have enough local labour market data to plan ahead. Workforce Planning Ontario helps by linking employers to regional workforce planning boards. These boards track hiring trends, skills gaps, and workforce needs across the province.
This guide explains how to find and connect with your local workforce planning board in Ontario. You will learn what support they offer and how your business can use their insights to make better hiring and training decisions.
Workforce Planning Ontario (WPO) is a province-wide network supported by the Ontario government. It brings together local workforce planning boards that research labour market trends and work with employers, educators, and community groups.
Key facts for employers:
Why does this matter? Workforce planning boards:
Workforce Planning Ontario is not a grant program. However, it helps businesses get ready for and access workforce-related funding and training opportunities.
It is easy to connect with your local board.
Go to the official Workforce Planning Ontario website. There you will find a list of all local boards by region.
Each listing has:
Each board covers a certain area, not a type of business. Choose the board that covers:
If your business operates in more than one region, you can work with more than one board.
Most boards welcome direct contact from employers. You can:
If you also want to find workforce and training programs that fit your business, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter options by province and business profile in seconds. This works well with the insights you get from your local board.
Workforce Planning Ontario does not give direct funding. Local boards offer practical support that helps your business.
Boards publish reports on:
This data comes from local surveys, employer input, and government sources.
You can take part in:
Your feedback helps create future training and employment programs.
Boards often connect you with:
This support is helpful when you want to apply for workforce training or upskilling programs. GrantHub also tracks active workforce and training-related programs across Canada, so you can find the right supports for your business.
Thinking Workforce Planning Ontario offers grants
WPO provides research and connections, not direct funding. Use its resources to strengthen your applications for other programs.
Waiting until you have a hiring crisis
Boards are most helpful when you reach out early and plan ahead.
Ignoring local data
Provincial averages do not always reflect your region. Local reports are more accurate for workforce decisions.
Not joining employer consultations
Employer feedback shapes future workforce strategies. If you skip these, you miss a chance to have your voice heard.
Q: Is Workforce Planning Ontario a grant or funding program?
No. Workforce Planning Ontario provides labour market research, coordination, and partnerships. It does not give direct financial help.
Q: Who can use Workforce Planning Ontario resources?
Businesses, non-profits, community groups, educators, and workforce partners across Ontario can use these resources.
Q: How many workforce planning boards are in Ontario?
Ontario has 25 local workforce planning boards in four regional networks.
Q: Is there a cost to work with a local workforce planning board?
No. Labour market reports and engagement opportunities are usually free and open to the public.
Q: Can workforce planning boards help with training grants?
They do not fund training directly, but they can guide you to workforce and training programs and help you match your plans to regional needs.
Start by reaching out to your local workforce planning board. This gives you access to current data and connections that make workforce decisions easier. Once you understand your region’s workforce trends, look for programs that support hiring and training. GrantHub tracks active workforce and training-related programs across Canada, so you can see which ones fit your business goals and location.
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