FedDev Ontario funding to help scale and enhance economic resilience
Southern Ontario is one of Canada's most dynamic and productive economic regions. For generations, our businesses, workers, and communities have helped build prosperity through innovation, manufacturing excellence, entrepreneurship, and strong cross-border trade relationships. As global trade pressures persist, the Government of Canada is investing to strengthen resilience, boost competitiveness, and create good jobs.
Today, 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), along with the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Ottawa-South, announced an investment, through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, for Ideal Roofing Company Ltd., a family-owned manufacturer of metal roofing and siding products.
Ideal Roofing is undertaking a more than $2.8 million project, with FedDev Ontario providing $700,000, to strengthen its competitiveness by adding new production capabilities at its Ottawa and Brampton facilities through the adoption of advanced manufacturing equipment, automation and workforce training. The project will strengthen Ontario's steel and roofing manufacturing sector, help reduce reliance on outsourced production, and support the company's expansion into new provincial markets while improving trade resilience and supporting efforts to build one Canadian economy.
Earlier today, the Government of Canada introduced a $7.5 billion package of new and enhanced measures that deliver fast, simple and agile supports to Canadian workers and businesses, building on the nearly $25 billion in supports the government has provided since the implementation of the U.S. tariffs.
Regional Tariff Response Initiative
Effective September 2026, the government will bolster the Regional Tariff Response Initiative delivered by Canada's seven Regional Development Agencies with an additional $1.5 billion investment. This will help small and medium-sized enterprises respond to tariff pressures.
- The cap on non-repayable contributions will be increased from $1 million to $3 million, which will now include support for demonstrated liquidity needs in addition to existing support for pivot or capital investment plans.
- Liquidity support available will be up to $2 million.
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative will also continue to support eligible businesses through repayable contributions for projects that help companies adapt, grow and compete in response to evolving trade and market conditions.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canadian businesses and organizations, safeguarding workers, and strengthening competitiveness, economic resilience, and long‑term prosperity across the country.
