Ontario invests $1.1M to support industries facing tariff pressure in Waterloo

The Government of Ontario is investing more than $1.1 million through the Trade‑Impacted Communities Program (TICP) to help workers and industries in Waterloo Region affected by U.S. tariffs. The funding supports two local projects aimed at diversifying export markets, reducing reliance on U.S. trade and improving supply‑chain stability. The projects are expected to support 1,230 jobs.

The Regional Municipality of Waterloo will invest over $1.3 million in the Waterloo Region Aviation, Aerospace and Defence (AeroWR) Strategic Growth Initiative. Ontario is providing $838,700 toward the project, which aims to create 50 new jobs and support 1,000 existing positions. The initiative will help the aviation, aerospace and defence sectors identify new markets, expand exports and strengthen local manufacturing.

The City of Waterloo will invest $600,000 in its project, Waterloo Health Innovation Economic Development — Building an Export‑ready Health Tech Sector. Ontario is contributing $270,000 to the accelerator program, which is expected to create 120 new jobs and support 60 existing positions. The program will help health‑technology companies expand into new Canadian and international markets and reduce dependence on U.S. trade.

“In the face of unprecedented global economic uncertainty, our government is equipping communities across the province with the tools they need to ensure their local economies remain resilient today and competitive in the future,” said Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation and trade. “These investments will help local businesses diversify their export markets, strengthen our supply chains and build the kind of resilience that will keep Ontario’s economy strong for years to come.”

The Trade‑Impacted Communities Program (TICP) is part of Ontario’s tariff‑relief plan. It funds community projects that aim to build economic resilience, diversify supply chains and expand export opportunities. The program is open to municipalities, economic development organizations, industry associations, business accelerators and incubators. It works alongside other provincial initiatives, including the Ontario Together Trade Fund, the Protect Ontario Financing Program and the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit.

“With the threat of new U.S. tariffs — including on goods covered by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement — our government is taking action to protect Ontario workers and jobs,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s investment is part of our plan to double down on Waterloo Region’s world-class companies in manufacturing, defence, health care and more, so we can meet whatever challenges that come our way.”