Projects are expected to run for 12 months (i.e. the length of one fiscal year A TP recipient may be granted an extension of the term of their TP agreement, to be determined by the ministry on a case-by-case basis. The TP recipient seeking an extension must provide a rationale for the extension and, where… Continue reading How long are projects expected to last?
Sub-Topic: General
What is the maximum amount of funding available per project?
There are no maximum or minimum funding amounts.
Who is eligible to participate in an SAO project?
SAO participants must be: A minimum of 18 years old at the time of registration; A resident of Ontario; Legally entitled to work in Canada; An individual on EI, on an EI Work-Sharing agreement, or employed with a company that is directly or indirectly affected by tariffs and global market shifts. (non-EI eligible workers may… Continue reading Who is eligible to participate in an SAO project?
Who is eligible to apply for SAO?
To be eligible to be a Transfer Payment (TP) Recipient, applicants must meet the requirements for either Employer-Led Agreements or Service Provider-Led Agreements and meet all eligibility criteria set out in the Guidelines. Employer-Led Agreements Employers may apply to be TP Recipients, provided that they are in active EI Work-Sharing agreements and/or can demonstrate on… Continue reading Who is eligible to apply for SAO?
How does Skills Advance Ontario (SAO) fit into the overall EO programming framework?
Skills Advance Ontario (SAO) will form an integral part of the Employment Ontario (EO) suite of programs and is designed to complement EO’s broader service delivery model. While EO currently provides a comprehensive, client centered continuum of employment and training services for individuals, SAO adds a targeted, sector based workforce development approach that responds directly… Continue reading How does Skills Advance Ontario (SAO) fit into the overall EO programming framework?
What is the program intended to achieve?
SAO is intended to: Support target sector workforce sustainability, resilience and development by funding partnerships that connect employers with the employment and training services they require; Help employers access and retain a skilled and adaptable workforce to meet evolving labour demands; Enable jobseekers and workers affected by economic disruptions, to upskill, reskill, and advance within… Continue reading What is the program intended to achieve?
What is Skills Advance Ontario (SAO)?
Skills Advance Ontario (SAO) is part of the Employment Ontario (EO) suite of programs. It is a sector-based workforce development program that supports strategic partnerships between employers and employment and training service providers to address labour market needs in sectors impacted by trade disruptions, tariffs, and other global market shifts. SAO supports jobseekers and incumbent… Continue reading What is Skills Advance Ontario (SAO)?
What will replace the COJG program, and why is it being wound down?
The program is being wound down to transition to a re-designed COJG model with a new delivery approach that improves efficiency, monitoring, and employer supports. More details will be shared on the Ontario.ca webpage when the new program is finalized.
When is the Canada Ontario Job Grant (COJG) program officially winding down?
The current COJG program will wind down on March 31, 2026. All existing Transfer Payment Agreements (TPAs) will expire on that date.
When will these most recent changes be in effect and be communicated to service providers?
The changes and program guidelines will be in effect August 20, 2025. The program guidelines will be updated and posted to the Employment Ontario Partners’ Gateway (EOPG). Service providers will be notified of this change via the EOPG. The ministry’s train-the-trainer model will be used to provide information on the revised Better Jobs Ontario program… Continue reading When will these most recent changes be in effect and be communicated to service providers?