Funded through the Skills Development Fund, the projects will prepare nearly 2,000 young people for construction jobs.

Unions across the country – even trades and construction unions that had backed Ford in the spring election – were taken aback by the legislation's inclusion of the notwithstanding clause, which they called an attack on Charter rights.

Through the programs, more than 100 Indigenous people will get practical, hands-on training and apprenticeship experience in carpentry, welding and electrical work.

She joins from the Toronto Transit Commission, where she served for nearly 19 years, latterly as deputy chief executive officer.

The Ontario credit union will contribute $100,000 to a pilot program in which employees would work alongside skilled trades students and Indigenous communities to build and establish tiny homes for First Nations communities.