July 28, 2026 – Thorold, Ontario                                                     

FedDev Ontario invests over $11.3 million in 13 businesses to strengthen operations and unlock new opportunities across Niagara Region

Niagara Region’s manufacturing sector is a key contributor to Canada’s economy. In the face of evolving global markets and rising competition, the Government of Canada remains committed to helping businesses in the Niagara Region to adapt and grow by boosting productivity, driving innovation, and creating good, sustainable jobs.

Today, Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), visited 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. While there, he announced over $11.3 million to support 13 Niagara Region businesses affected by trade disruptions, including 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., High Strength Plates & Profiles Inc., Lakeview Vineyard Equipment Inc., St. Catharines Pattern Limited, TD Greenhouses Ltd., Valbruna ASW Inc., and VTR Feeder Solutions.

This funding, through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, will help these companies improve efficiency, adopt new technologies, and enhance their competitiveness. For information on the projects, refer to the backgrounder.

As part of this announcement, High Strength Plates & Profiles Inc., is undertaking a $1.5 million project to support increased steel processing capabilities and diversification of product offerings through the adoption of advanced equipment and infrastructure upgrades. FedDev Ontario is providing up to $750,000 towards the project. As a result, the company will be supporting the steel industry and strengthening domestic supply chain resilience in the steel sector.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canadian businesses, protecting jobs, and advancing a more resilient and sustainable economy nationwide.