Several emerging forces are shaping Ontario's labour market in new ways. Ontario manufacturers have experienced the effects of the change in the Canadian dollar and higher energy costs. Globalization and emerging economies such as Brazil, China and India are also challenging Ontario manufacturers through lower costs.

New technologies are raising the demand for workers with advanced skills and technical knowledge. These rapid changes are also redefining training and skills development to something that is a life long undertaking.

Opportunity Oshawa.Durham has embarked upon an exciting strategy that examines the key strengths of the region and identifies opportunities for growth, retraining and diversification through short, medium and long term actions with the goal of getting people back to work.