Government of Canada investments create jobs and grow businesses in Golden Horseshoe

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

News release

FedDev Ontario provides more than $19 million in support to 13 businesses and organizations in Niagara, Hamilton, Halton, Brantford and surrounding regions in 2023, supporting over 350 jobs

December 18, 2023 - Hamilton, Ontario

The Government of Canada is committed to investing in people, their potential and all the possibilities they create across Ontario. As part of this commitment, in 2023, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) invested more than $190 million to support more than 70 businesses and organizations in southern Ontario, protecting an estimated 4,000 jobs. In Niagara, Hamilton, Halton, Brantford and surrounding areas, FedDev Ontario invested more than $19 million in 13 projects, creating and maintaining an estimated 350 jobs in the Golden Horseshoe region.

For example, with a FedDev Ontario investment of $300,000, the Municipality of Niagara is accelerating growth of the EV sector in the region through the development of an EV strategy, which will support more than 50 local businesses and organizations. This was one of three pilot investments, including investments in London and Windsor, to help drive growth of the EV sector in Ontario.

In 2023, FedDev Ontario invested more than $16 million in 8 clean growth and EV projects. Through these and other FedDev Ontario investments, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to net-zero emissions and supporting local manufacturers as they adopt more sustainable processes and technologies and create good jobs for Canadians.

This year, St. Catharines-based FBT Inc., a family-owned advanced manufacturer of precision machine components and parts, is using a nearly $4-million investment to upgrade its facility with robotic and automated solutions, to increase production. Through investments like this, the Government of Canada continues to support manufacturers, helping them bring new products to market, strengthening our domestic supply chains, creating jobs, and growing southern Ontario’s economy.

In Hamilton, with an investment of over $3.8 million, McMaster University will support the next generation of aerospace professionals through the delivery of a two-year training program designed and instructed by industry experts. As part of this project, McMaster University is working with Indigenous organizations to help make participation easier for Indigenous people in manufacturing and aerospace training programs, with the intent of making skilled jobs more accessible.

FedDev Ontario continues to work with industry and community leaders, workers, entrepreneurs, and organizations across the region to support them as they grow and thrive. This year, FedDev Ontario launched a new, easy-to-use application process that makes applying for funding easier and more predictable for clients. Understanding the important role Indigenous businesses and communities play in strengthening our economy, the Agency also launched a dedicated team and resources to help guide Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations in southern Ontario on programming and services available to them.

Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, businesses and organizations can now apply for funding under the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario to develop local tourism products and experiences to attract visitors to the region. The first round of applications is now open until February 29, 2024. A second round will open in the summer.

The Agency continues to support inclusive economic growth for the region, investing over $60 million in 35 projects led by underrepresented groups, estimated to create and maintain over 1,400 jobs in 2023. Helping our underrepresented groups achieve their goals will unlock unlimited potential for Canada's economy and Canadians as a whole. A strong, diverse economy and a better future for all Canadians is a priority for the Government of Canada.

Quotes

“Over the past year, our government has made it our priority to support businesses and workers in Ontario so they can grow and succeed. This year, across the Golden Horseshoe, more than $19 million in FedDev Ontario investments have been made to support 13 projects, which have created and maintained an estimated 350+ jobs in Niagara, Hamilton, Halton, Brantford and surrounding area. We know that people are our strength. We will continue to make strategic investments that will lead to economic growth by supporting our great entrepreneurs.”
- The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“This past year, FedDev Ontario has showcased the talent, innovation and potential that southern Ontario has to offer. With the critical support that has been delivered to many businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations in the many towns and cities in this region, we have helped to create jobs, grow businesses and helped companies thrive, while strengthening our economy for Canadians.”
- Bryan May, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and to the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

Quick facts

  • The Agency will continue to support businesses and organizations as they drive innovation, create good jobs and develop new possibilities for our economy. For more information, visit our funding opportunities page.

  • In 2023, Minister Tassi took the opportunity to meet with business owners, workers and stakeholders during visits to over 40 cities and towns in southern Ontario, including Hamilton, Dundas, Ancaster, Niagara, St. Catharines, Burlington, Smithville, Milton, Brantford and Ohsweken.

  • In 2023, FedDev Ontario invested over $55 million in more than 30 manufacturing projects, estimated to create and maintain more than 750 jobs. 

  • Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested nearly $280 million in more than 380 projects in Niagara, Hamilton, Halton, Brantford and surrounding areas, estimated to create and maintain more than 11,000 jobs.  

  • Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested over $2.5 billion in more than 3,000 projects across southern Ontario, leveraging an additional $3.7 billion in investment in the economy, and estimated to create and maintain more than 190,000 jobs.  

Associated links

Contacts

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

FedDev Ontario
Media Relations
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca

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