TORONTO — The federal government says it has new labour agreements with nine provinces to provide funding for skills training for laid-off workers.

Human Resources Diane Finley, who signed the $647-million deal with Ontario today, says the money will also help workers who don't qualify for Employment Insurance.

The money will come from the $1.5 billion set aside for training and skills development in the January federal budget.

Ontario Minister of Training John Milloy says while the agreements are good news for the unemployed, the province won't give up the fight for fairness with the EI program.

The new agreements cover all the provinces except for Newfoundland, but the government says it expects a deal will be reached soon.

It's also in talks with the three territories.