In an effort to address Ontario’s massive labour shortage, the province is calling on businesses, unions and training facilities to give people a second chance.

The Ford government is investing $90 million to help companies hire people who have had a run-in with the law, and others who might find it difficult to land a job.

With a $500,000 investment from the province, the John Howard Society helped 40 people find a job in manufacturing. Minister of Labour, Monte McNaughton, was in Hamilton Monday morning to announce an investment of an additional $90 million towards the province’s skills development fund.

This round of funding will go towards helping those with a criminal record, at-risk youth, people with disabilities, Indigenous people, Ukrainian newcomers, and others who may have barriers to employment.

“It’s no secret that Ontario is facing a historic labour shortage. Nearly 400,000 jobs today are going unfilled, costing our economy billions in lost productivity,” McNaughton said.

The John Howard Society says people who have trouble getting a job, make some of the most dedicated employees.

Businesses, training providers and other organizations can apply for funding from the government to help people struggling to find work starting Thursday until January.