Government of Canada investments to help Niagara Region businesses adapt and drive innovation
News release
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.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is providing targeted support to ensure that Canadian businesses have the support they need to navigate tariff-related challenges and remain competitive. Today’s investments in these 13 Niagara Region businesses will help strengthen their operations, expand into new markets, and build resilience against external pressures. By backing local businesses, we are protecting jobs, reinforcing regional supply chains, and supporting long-term economic growth to keep Canada strong.”
- The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“These investments will make a real difference for businesses here in the Niagara Region. Together we are helping companies adapt to new challenges while strengthening the regional economy and supporting high-quality jobs right here at home.”
- Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines
"High Strength Plates & Profiles Inc. is grateful for the funding support from FedDev Ontario through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. It has helped us enhance our cutting capabilities and pursue new business opportunities as we adapt to changing trade policies that are affecting our customers and broader supply chains."
- Jason Brock, President, High Strength Plates & Profiles Inc.
Quick facts
-
Through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), the Government of Canada is providing $1.95 billion to help businesses boost productivity, lower costs, strengthen supply chain resilience, and open doors to new markets, enhancing overall competitiveness across all sectors, including steel, aluminum, copper, automotive, food security, and forestry.
-
The RTRI is part of a broad set of tariff support measures, including the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility, the creation of a $1 billion Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) program, a Pivot to Grow initiative, and support for the steel sector through the Strategic Response Fund, as well as the enhancements to the Work-Sharing Program. Together, these efforts demonstrate a commitment to reinforcing Canada’s industrial strength and defending good jobs across the country
-
Founded in 1985, Ontario-based High Strength Plates & Profiles Inc., with its largest facility in Thorold, processes high-strength and abrasion-resistant steel plates for use in the mining, transportation, forestry and construction industries.
Associated links
- FedDev Ontario
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative in southern Ontario
- High Strength Plates and Profiles Inc.
- Black Creek Metal Inc.
- Canadian Babbitt Bearings Ltd.
- Canada Perforating Inc.
- 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.
- VTR Feeder Solutions
Contacts
Leela Polushin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
leela.polushin@ised-isde.gc.ca
343-543-5391
Media Relations FedDev Ontario
media@feddevontario.gc.ca
Stay Connected:
Follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook
Subscribe to FedDev Ontario's Southern Ontario Spotlight newsletter, featuring economic development news and updates from across the region. Learn more about some of FedDev Ontario's recipients by visiting our impact stories page.