Government of Canada announces support for businesses and workers in Hamilton

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

News release

August 31, 2026 – Hamilton, Ontario

FedDev Ontario investment of over $12.5 million will help nine Hamilton area businesses respond to tariff-related pressures, strengthen supply chains, and protect jobs

Hamilton and the surrounding region play a critical role in Ontario's economy, supported by a diverse industrial base that includes advanced manufacturing, automation technologies, steel production, packaging solutions, and specialized industrial equipment. These industries support thousands of jobs, drive investment, and help strengthen Canada's supply chains. As businesses and workers face challenges related to tariffs and trade uncertainty, the Government of Canada remains committed to supporting the region's workforce and businesses and helping them continue to grow and compete.

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), announced a combined investment of over $12.5 million to support the growth of nine Hamiliton-area businesses: Automation Design and Installation Inc., Biederman Enterprises Ltd., Canadian Metal Buildings Inc., FELLFAB Limited, Hooper Welding Enterprises Limited, Max Aicher North America, Whitebird/Moyy, Niko Apparel Systems, and Superior Radiant Products Ltd.

As part of this announcement, Niko Apparel Systems, a Canadian-owned manufacturer specializing in high-quality technical apparel, is undertaking a $400,000 project, with FedDev Ontario providing $200,000 to modernize production infrastructure through equipment upgrades and enhanced workforce skills to deliver made-in-Canada high-performance apparel and protective gear.

Today’s investments, through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), will help these businesses strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, create growth opportunities, and reinforce regional supply chains. For more information on the businesses being supported, please see the backgrounder.

Last week, 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 (RTRI)

Effective September 2026, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $1.5 billion in the RTRI, delivered by Canada's regional development agencies, to help businesses respond to tariff pressures.This will help businesses 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 RTRI will 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 businesses and workers to strengthen competitiveness, build resilience, protect jobs, and drive long-term prosperity by investing in the people, industries, and supply chains that power Canada's economy.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting businesses and workers in the Hamilton area and throughout southern Ontario. Through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, we are taking action to help businesses confront tariff-related pressures, secure their place in critical supply chains, protect jobs, and unlock new opportunities for growth and investment. Today's investment for these nine companies in the Hamilton area will support growth and innovation, helping ensure the region remains a key centre for manufacturing and economic activity while contributing to a stronger Canadian economy.”

- The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Hamilton businesses and workers are adapting and succeeding in a changing global economy. Today's investment will help nine local companies grow, protect jobs, and strengthen our region's manufacturing sector.”

- Lisa Hepfner, Member of Parliament for Hamilton Mountain

“Hamilton has the businesses, skilled workers, and manufacturing expertise to compete and grow. This investment will help nine local companies expand, create jobs, and build new opportunities for workers and families across our city.”

- John-Paul Danko, Member of Parliament for Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas

“Hamilton's success is built on the strength of its businesses and workers. Today's investment in these nine businesses will strengthen our local economy, protect jobs, and seize new opportunities, creating lasting economic benefits for our community.”

- Aslam Rana, Member of Parliament for Hamilton Centre

“This RTRI funding will allow Niko Apparel to invest and strengthen our Canadian production capabilities and become more competitive both here at home and in export markets. Most importantly, it helps us continue to grow our business, create and protect skilled manufacturing jobs, and demonstrate that world-class apparel can be made designed and made right here in Ontario.”

- Joe Camillo, President, Niko Apparel Systems

Quick facts

Incorporated in 1994, Niko Apparel Systems operates from its facility in Hamilton, where the company designs and manufactures custom tailored team apparel and technical garments shipped throughout the world.
Through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), the Government of Canada is providing a total of $3.45 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 Government of Canada’s new $7.5 billion package, includes a new $500 million liquidity stream under the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Pivot to Grow program, a new Canada Strong Diversification Fund backed by $2 billion in funding, enhancements to the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility, and a new suite of $3.5 billion in Rapid Response Benefit Program for Workers and Employers.
Details regarding the expanded RTRI in southern Ontario, including forthcoming liquidity support for businesses affected by tariffs, will be made available shortly.
FedDev Ontario is working to ensure businesses, organizations and communities across southern Ontario have the support they need to grow and compete.
To learn more about our programming, please visit our funding page and explore our impact stories to learn more about some of FedDev Ontario's funding recipients.

Associated links

Contacts

Peter Wall
Director of Communications and Deputy Chief of Staff
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
peter.wall@ised-isde.gc.ca
343-551-0236

Media Relations FedDev Ontario

media@feddevontario.gc.ca

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FedDev-Ontario.Canada.ca

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2026-08-31