MPP Parm Gill announces expanded funding for LO’s GROW Program

Parm Gill, MPP for Milton, visited the Landscape Ontario home office on May 3, 2022 to announce expanded funding for the GROW Program.

Funding from the provincial and federal government’s for the current fiscal year totals $2.6 million to support the landscape horticulture profession attract, train and retain skilled workers.

Provincial funding is through the Ontario Skills Development Fund, which has provided over $200 million to projects that address labour challenges during the pandemic.

“Our government recognizes the importance of investing in skilled trades for our future generations,” Gill said. “I am proud that our government is investing in Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association to train, recruit and upskill the workers of Ontario.”

Launched in 2020 by Landscape Ontario with support from the provincial and federal governments, the GROW training programs support new workers wishing to begin their careers, current professionals seeking to expand their skills, and employers striving to enhance their ability to attract and retain the best possible teams. GROW includes: New Entrant Worker Training, Supervisory Training, an Employer of Choice Program, and a New Entrant Worker Job Bank. In 2020-21, the program was available for people and businesses in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area, as well as the Kawartha/Muskoka region. For 2022, Waterloo and Wellington regions have been added.