Ontario is investing $16.5 million through the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) to help companies and workers affected by U.S. tariffs become more resilient, expand capacity and bring critical supply chains back to the province.
The funding marks the first round of OTTF support. The eight approved projects represent more than $120 million in total investments, which the province says will create over 300 new jobs and protect nearly 1,200 existing positions.
“As U.S. tariffs continue to threaten Ontario’s critical industries, our government remains focused on ensuring our manufacturers have the resources needed to adapt and expand,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, we are taking decisive action to enhance the competitiveness of our economy, increasing opportunities for Ontario businesses and workers, now and for generations to come.”
The announcement was made in Vaughan, where three local companies will receive support. Burnco Manufacturing Inc. will receive $2.5 million toward its $8-million project to increase production capacity and efficiency, creating 75 new jobs and protecting 215 existing ones. Heali Medical Corp. will receive $1.7 million toward a $5.7-million investment to re-shore production from China and expand into markets in Europe, the U.K., Asia and Australia, creating 12 jobs and protecting five more. Letar Inc. will receive more than $800,000 toward its $2.8-million plan to establish a chemical processing facility, creating nine jobs and protecting 32 positions.
Other recipients from the first funding round will be announced in the coming weeks.
“Through the Ontario Trade Together Fund, our government is stepping up for the businesses in our community who’ve been directly affected by U.S. tariffs,” said Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill. “This investment will help them adapt, stay competitive and continue creating good jobs for local families. We’re building greater self-reliance in our supply chains and strengthening Ontario’s ability to stand on its own.”
The OTTF was introduced in the 2025 provincial budget as part of a nearly $30-billion plan to protect workers and businesses from economic uncertainty and build a more competitive, self-reliant economy. The program focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises, supporting projects that strengthen Ontario-based operations, expand market reach and protect jobs.
Since its launch, the program has received strong interest, with more than 140 applications submitted by October. In response, the government announced an additional $100 million in funding, increasing total support to $150 million over three years. Officials say this will help more businesses affected by U.S. tariffs return production to Ontario, pursue new sales opportunities and strengthen interprovincial trade.
“The tariffs from the U.S. have had tremendous impacts on our economy and our local businesses,” said Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca. “That’s why I am thrilled by this funding announcement from the Ontario government. It will help create more jobs, safeguard existing positions and increase production for three Vaughan companies.”
The province says it will continue delivering funding, cutting red tape and supporting workers as it navigates ongoing economic pressures.
