TORONTO, November 9, 2027 - Toronto Pearson, United Way Greater Toronto and Peel Region are investing a combined $1 million in workforce development programming to strengthen career pathways for workers and help employers respond to changing labour needs across the Pearson Economic Zone.
The first part of this investment will see the partners launch Peel Gateway for Employment, a one-year workforce development pilot program that will initially support about 200 workers affected by economic disruption, including those impacted by layoffs at Stellantis in Brampton and other automotive and manufacturing jobs.
The pilot will help participants build on existing skills and connect with in-demand opportunities through tailored career coaching, skills development, employment preparation and job placement support.
“The Pearson Economic Zone is one driver of our regional economy, stimulating thousands of jobs and businesses,” said Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson. “Together with United Way Greater Toronto and Peel Region, we're responding with immediate action to the pressure felt by workers and businesses due to trade and tariff uncertainty. By facilitating skilled workers’ transition to new career paths, labour market transition and matching with employers, we’re contributing to the resiliency of the Pearson Economic Zone.”
Beginning in fall 2026, the pilot will bring together Toronto Pearson’s employer relationships and understanding of regional labour demand, United Way’s community reach and expertise, and Peel Region’s workforce system and funding role. Working alongside employers, labour, community agencies, and training providers, the partners will connect workers with important tools while helping employers access the talent they need. Details on additional projects supported through this investment will follow.
“Too many skilled workers across Peel and the Greater Toronto Area are being displaced by a rapidly changing economy, despite having the skills and experience to contribute,”
said Nation Cheong, Vice President, Community Opportunities and Mobilization, United Way Greater Toronto. “Through our partnership with Toronto Pearson and Peel Region, we’re helping connect these workers to new opportunities in the Pearson Economic Zone. It’s about opening pathways to quality jobs, strengthening our local workforce, and helping individuals and families build lasting economic stability.”
“The economic challenges facing workers in Peel, including those affected by changes in the manufacturing sector and broader trade disruptions, require proactive and collaborative solutions,” said Nando Iannicca, Chair, Peel Region. “Through Peel Gateway for Employment, we are helping residents transition into in-demand careers while supporting employers with access to skilled talent. This partnership demonstrates how we can work together to strengthen economic resilience, create pathways to opportunity and ensure Peel remains a place where people and businesses can succeed.”
The initiative officially launched at an event today held at the Unifor Power Centre in Brampton, bringing together Toronto Pearson, United Way Greater Toronto, Peel Region, government, labour, employers and community partners to mark the start of the pilot and highlight the collective effort to connect workers with new opportunities.
"This pilot demonstrates the value of bringing employers, community organizations, training providers, and funders together to address workforce challenges in a coordinated way around a shared goal. We are all focused on creating direct pathways to quality employment," said Deborah Childs, Director Strategic Partnerships, WCG Services. "By coordinating industry demand with targeted training and wraparound employment supports, we're helping displaced workers and job seekers connect to real opportunities.
"ACCES Employment is proud to build on our long-standing partnership with Toronto Pearson and our shared commitment to connecting people with meaningful employment," said Paula Calderon, President & CEO, ACCES Employment. "Together, we have helped jobseekers bring their skills and experience to opportunities at the airport, and we’re excited to extend that work into the broader Pearson Economic Zone, supporting displaced workers across Peel Region as they take their next steps. We’re grateful to Toronto Pearson, United Way and the Region of Peel for their investment in this important work."
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including passenger and spending projections. This forward-looking information is based on a variety of assumptions and is subject to risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking information reflects GTAA Management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to GTAA Management. There is significant risk that predictions, forecasts, conclusions, and projections that constitute forward-looking information will not prove to be accurate, that the GTAA’s assumptions may not be correct and that actual results may vary from such forward-looking information. Additional detailed information about these assumptions, risks and uncertainties is included in the GTAA’s securities regulatory filings, including its most recent Annual Information Form and Management’s Discussion and Analysis, which can be found on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.
About Toronto Pearson
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada's largest airport and a vital connector of people, businesses and goods. Toronto Pearson has been recognized as one of the best airports in North America eight times in the last nine years by Airports Council International, the global trade representative of the world's airports. Toronto Pearson continues to be recognized as a top workplace, earning a spot on Forbes' Canada's Best Employers list for the past three years. For operational updates and passenger information, please visit @TorontoPearson/@AeroportPearson on X. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
SOURCE Toronto Pearson
Toronto Pearson Media Office, media.relations@gtaa.com
About Peel Region
Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe and connected Community for Life for more than 1.66 million people and approximately 246,000 businesses in the cities of Brampton and Mississauga and the Town of Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information about Peel Region, explore peelregion.ca
About United Way
As the largest non-government funder of community services in the GTA, United Way Greater Toronto reinforces a crucial community safety net to support people living in poverty. United Way’s network of agencies and initiatives in neighbourhoods across Peel, Toronto and York Region works to ensure that everyone has access to the programs and services they need to thrive. Mobilizing community support, United Way’s work is rooted in ground-breaking research, strategic leadership, local advocacy and cross-sectoral partnerships committed to building a more equitable region and lasting solutions to the GTA’s greatest challenges.