The Ontario government is making a significant push to reinforce the resilience of manufacturers affected by U.S. tariffs, announcing $16.5 million in provincial funding for projects designed to boost capacity, re-shore production, and protect jobs across the province. The investment, delivered through the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF), is expected to support more than $120 million in total corporate investments and help create and safeguard roughly 1,500 jobs.
The announcement represents the first round of funding under the OTTF program, with eight companies approved for support. The provincial contribution will help create more than 300 new positions while protecting nearly 1,200 existing jobs, underscoring Ontario’s efforts to stabilize local industries navigating ongoing global trade uncertainty.
“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 initial round of recipients includes three Vaughan-based companies representing a mix of manufacturing and advanced production capabilities. Burnco Manufacturing Inc. will receive $2.5 million toward an $8-million project aimed at expanding production capacity and operational efficiency. The company expects the funding to create 75 new jobs while safeguarding 215 positions at its Vaughan facilities.
Heali Medical Corp., a women-owned medical-technology firm, will receive $1.7 million in support of its $5.7-million initiative to re-shore production from China and expand its reach into international markets such as Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia, and Australia. The investment will generate 12 new positions and protect five current roles.
Letar Inc., specializing in advanced manufacturing for aerospace and other sectors, has been approved for more than $800,000 to help establish a chemical-processing facility at its Vaughan site. The project is valued at $2.8 million and expected to create nine jobs while protecting 32 existing positions.
The province said additional approved recipients 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 introduced in the 2025 Ontario Budget, the OTTF forms part of a nearly $30-billion plan aimed at providing tariff relief and strengthening the province’s economic resilience. With a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, the fund supports businesses in diversifying product lines, acquiring advanced equipment, enhancing domestic manufacturing capacity, and expanding into new markets.
Demand for the program has already exceeded expectations, with more than 140 applications submitted by October 2025. In response, the province committed an additional $100 million to the program, increasing total funding to $150 million over three years. The expanded investment is intended to help more businesses return production to Ontario, identify new interprovincial opportunities, and reduce exposure to global supply-chain volatility.
Local leaders also emphasized the program’s role in strengthening regional economies. “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.”
Recipients say the funding is already accelerating growth and strategic planning. “We are very grateful for the timely support the Ontario Government has offered through the Ontario Together Trade Fund,” said Homer Sayyad, President of Burnco Manufacturing Inc. He noted that the company’s sector has been “greatly impacted with the current tariff and trade restrictions.” He added that upgrades—including CNC equipment and increased crane-lifting capacity—will “allow us to expand our capacity in serving the infrastructure sector in Ontario and Canada.”
Heali Medical Co-Founders Heather Sloan and Enwei Li said the support has been “transformative,” helping the company scale research and development, enhance clinical validation, and accelerate commercialization. “We’re grateful for the program’s confidence in our vision and proud to contribute to Ontario’s reputation as a leader in medical innovation.”
Letar Inc. Managing Director Armaan Jain stated that the investment will “reshore essential processing capabilities and strengthen Ontario’s supply-chain while creating highly skilled technical jobs.”
As the province continues to navigate shifting trade dynamics and economic uncertainty, the government says its focus remains on delivering targeted funding, reducing regulatory burden, and supporting workers while ensuring local industries remain competitive both nationally and globally.