Changes to Better Jobs Ontario to Support Workers Impacted by Tariffs

Today, the government announced measures that will help support workers impacted by U.S. tariffs. This includes changes to the Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) program to help eligible job seekers, including those facing challenges finding a stable job like gig workers, youth and people on social assistance, rejoin the workforce in new in-demand careers.

Beginning today, BJO will cover expenses for vocational skills training, such as tuition, transportation, and childcare, up to $35,000 for programs longer than a year. The program will now also fast-track jobseekers pursuing in-demand skills training and provide up to two years of training supports.

The updated program guidelines are in effect as of today, August 20, 2025. They include key changes to better support people negatively impacted by tariffs, including:

• All eligible applicants will now qualify for up to two years of training supports (the previous maximum was one year);
• All eligible applicants can now qualify for up to $35,000 for training longer than one year;
• Clients pursuing training in an area that has “good” or “very good” employment prospects (according to the three-year career profiles on the Ontario Labour Market Information “Career Explore” website) will be fast tracked by receiving a higher score on various suitability criteria; and
• BJO will only support training that has been accredited or approved by the respective regulatory body when an entry to practice exam is required to work in a chosen occupation.

You can access the updated Guidelines here.

You can review the questions and answers available on the BJO Questions and Answers page for additional information.

Several operational forms have also been updated. You can read more about these changes.

• Service system managers (SSMs), as well as Integrated Employment Services and Employment Service providers (SPs)
• BJO applicants

SPs should review the updated BJO program guidelines to ensure new eligibility and suitability criteria are considered in applications submitted to the ministry as of August 20, 2025.

As of August 20, 2025, SPs will be required to apply the updated BJO program guidelines, including the new eligibility and suitability criteria for all BJO applications.

Service providers that have any questions are asked to contact their local Employment and Training Division office or service system manager for further information.