Earlier this week, Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, announced over $11.3 million in federal economic development funding for 13 different businesses across Niagara Region.
The announcement was made on behalf of Evan Solomon, the minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. Solomon is also Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence.
Bittle’s announcement in Thorold was made at High Strength Plates & Profiles Inc., a Canadian processer of high strength and abrasion resistant steel plates for use in the mining, transportation, forestry, and construction industries. The Thorold-based company is one of the 13 businesses receiving this new round of funding.
Other local funding recipients include Black Creek Metal Inc., Canada Perforating Inc., Canadian Babbitt Bearings Ltd., Can-American Stone Spreader Sales Limited, CMI Heavy Industries, Free Force Machining Technology Inc., Hastec Group Inc., Lakeview Vineyard Equipment Inc., St. Catharines Pattern Limited, TD Greenhouses Ltd., Valbruna ASW Inc., and VTR Feeder Solutions.
The funds came through the Regional Tariff Response Fund, which, according to the federal government, is designed to help regions like Niagara adapt to evolving global markets and rising competition by boosting productivity, driving innovation, and creating and maintaining good, sustainable jobs.
Bittle specifically highlighted the High Strength Plates & Profiles Inc. investment, which will see the federal government contribute up to $750,000 toward a $1.5-million project to support increased steel processing capabilities and the diversification of the company’s product offerings through the adoption of advanced equipment and infrastructure upgrades.
“High Strength Plates & Profiles Inc. is grateful for the funding support from FedDev Ontario through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative,” said Jason Brock, President of High Strength Plates & Profiles Inc. “It has helped us enhance our cutting capabilities and pursue new business opportunities as we adopt to changing trade policies that are affecting our customers and broader supply chains.”
Solomon, while not on hand for the announcement, offered a statement regarding the federal government’s new round of local investments.
“The Government of Canada is providing targeted support to ensure that Canadian businesses have the support they need to navigate tariff-related challenges and remain competitive,” said Solomon. “Today’s investments in these 13 Niagara Region businesses will help strengthen their operations, expand into new markets, and build resilience against external pressures.”
“By backing local businesses, we are protecting jobs, reinforcing regional supply chains, and supporting long-term economic growth to keep Canada strong,” Solomon added.
Jay Goldberg is the Canadian Affairs Manager at the Consumer Choice Center. He previously served as the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
