Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff announced last Thursday a $650,000 investment from the Ontario Government in key industries in Niagara Region impacted by U.S. tariffs.
The money will flow through the Trade-Impacted Communities Program, which is designed to protect workers and strengthen local industries.
The funds are going to support the launch of Niagara Region’s Thrive Niagara initiative, which is focused on growing the region’s advanced manufacturing, defence and aerospace, and automotive sectors.
“Niagara’s skilled workers and industrial strengths have long positioned the local economy for investment and growth,” said Oosterhoff. “Through our government’s Trade-Impacted Communities Program, we are ensuring our local communities are equipped to protect workers against the impacts of U.S. tariffs today, while building a more resilient, self-reliant, and competitive economy for the future.”
Thrive Niagara is designed to build on the economic and industrial strengths found across its 12 local municipalities to attract new investment, strengthen local supply chains and create new opportunities for Niagara workers and businesses. It will have a key focus on expanding export capacity and opening new markets, as well as supporting the growth of strategic industries and strengthening collaboration between businesses and communities within Ontario and across the country.
Acting Regional Chair Tom Insinna was on hand with Oosterhoff for the announcement and expressed the Region’s gratitude for the province’s investment.
“Niagara residents feel the strength of our economy through the jobs and opportunities available close to home,” said Insinna. “This $650,000 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 12 municipalities and helps ensure that future economic growth benefits communities throughout Niagara.”
Niagara Region’s Director of Economic Development, George Spezza, offered his thoughts as well.
“Niagara has the location, industrial base and expertise needed to compete for new investment in defence, advanced manufacturing and other growing sectors,” said Spezza. “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.”
According to Oosterhoff, the Trade-Impacted Communities Program is a $40-million fund that was first announced as part of the province’s nearly $30-billion plan to protect the province’s workers, businesses and communities from the impact of U.S. tariffs. The program was designed to specifically help communities and industries disproportionately impacted by global trade disruptions and help attract investment, diversify supply chains, and reach new markets.
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.
