Ontario Investing $16.5 Million to Protect Tariff-Impacted Workers and Businesses

The announcement marks the first round of funding under the OTTF program, with the eight recipient companies’ projects amounting to over $120 million in investments that will create over 300 new, good-paying jobs and protect nearly 1,200 more across the province.

“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 companies are receiving support, including:

• Burnco Manufacturing Inc., who are receiving $2.5 million to support their $8 million investment to increase production capacity and efficiency at its facilities in Vaughan. The investment will create 75 new jobs and protect 215 existing positions.
• Heali Medical Corp., who are receiving $1.7 million to support their $5.7 million investment to reduce tariff exposure by reshoring production from China and expanding into new international markets, including Europe, the UK, Asia, and Australia. This investment will create 12 new jobs and protect five existing positions.
• Letar Inc., who are receiving over $800,000 to support their $2.8 million investment to establish a chemical processing facility at its Vaughan location. This investment will create nine new jobs and protect 32 existing positions.

The remaining recipients from the first 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, Member of Provincial Parliament 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.”

First announced as part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, the OTTF is part of the province’s nearly $30 billion tariff relief and support plan, dedicated to protecting the province’s workers and businesses from economic uncertainty and building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy. With a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, the program will help businesses across a diverse range of sectors make the necessary investments to strengthen operations in Ontario, expand market reach and protect workers.

Since its launch, the OTTF has received overwhelming demand, with more than 140 applications submitted as of October 2025. In response to this, the government recently announced an additional $100 million investment into the program, bringing the total funding to $150 million over three years. The increased support will enable businesses affected by U.S. tariffs to return production to Ontario, identify new sales opportunities and expand interprovincial trade.

“The tariffs from the U.S. have had tremendous impacts on our economy and our local businesses,” said Steven Del Duca, Mayor of Vaughan. “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.”

As Ontario continues to navigate the impact of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, the government remains focused on delivering critical funding, cutting red tape, unleashing the economy and supporting workers.

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