Thorold – The Ontario government is investing $650,000 through the Trade-Impacted Communities Program to protect workers and strengthen key industries in Niagara impacted by American tariffs. This investment will support the launch of Thrive Niagara, a new initiative of the Regional Municipality of Niagara focused on growing the advanced manufacturing, defence, aerospace and automotive sectors across the region.
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, announced the investment today as part of the province’s ongoing efforts to protect workers, businesses and communities from the impacts of American tariffs and continued global economic uncertainty.
“Niagara’s skilled workers and industrial legacy have long positioned our local economy for investment and growth,” said MPP Oosterhoff.
“Through our government’s Trade-Impacted Communities Program, we are ensuring our local communities are equipped to protect workers against the impacts of American tariffs today, while building a more resilient, self-reliant and competitive economy for the future.”
Through Thrive Niagara, the Regional Municipality of Niagara will build on the economic and industrial strengths found across its twelve lower-tier municipalities to attract new investment, strengthen local supply chains and create new opportunities for Niagara workers and businesses. This initiative will focus on expanding export capacity and opening new markets, supporting the growth of strategic industries and strengthening collaboration between businesses and communities both within Ontario and across Canada.
“Niagara’s residents experience the strength of our economy through the jobs and opportunities available close to home,” said Tom Insinna, Acting Chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
“This critical provincial investment will help us attract new business, support good local jobs and grow sectors with strong potential across the region. Thrive Niagara builds on the combined strengths of our twelve municipalities and helps ensure that future economic growth benefits communities throughout our region.”
“Niagara has the location, industrial base and expertise needed to compete for new investment in defence, advanced manufacturing and other growing sectors,” said George Spezza, Director of Economic Development at the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
“This funding will help us identify opportunities, promote Niagara’s strengths and connect with companies looking to invest in Ontario. Through Thrive Niagara, our goal is straightforward – attract new investment, support good local jobs and strengthen Niagara’s economy for the long term.”
The $40 million Trade-Impacted Communities Program was first announced as part of Ontario’s nearly $30 billion plan to protect workers, businesses and communities from the impacts of American tariffs. The program is supporting communities and industries that have been disproportionately impacted by global trade disruptions, helping them attract investment, diversify supply chains and reach new domestic and international markets.
“As American tariffs continue to impact key sectors across Ontario, our government is taking decisive action to ensure regional communities have the tools they need to withstand economic pressure and secure new, long-term investments,” said Hon. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
“Through the Trade-Impacted Communities Program, we are proud to invest in the Thrive Niagara initiative, which will support local workers and strengthen domestic supply chains, while unlocking new trade and export partnerships.”
As Ontario continues to respond to American tariffs and global economic uncertainty, the government is working with local partners to protect existing jobs, create new opportunities for workers and ensure communities – such as Niagara – have the tools they need to remain competitive and resilient for years to come.