Government of Canada announces support to strengthen Canadian workers and businesses
News release
August 25, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario
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.
Quotes
“Southern Ontario businesses are the engine of our economy, and our government is committed to helping them succeed. Through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, we are providing the support businesses need to stay competitive, protect jobs and continue growing. By investing in companies like Ideal Roofing, we are strengthening southern Ontario's economy for the future.”
- The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“Canadian businesses are navigating a period of significant trade and economic challenges. Through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative and investments announced today, we are helping companies like Ideal Roofing invest in new capabilities, strengthen domestic supply chains, support skilled workers, and build a more resilient and competitive Canadian economy.”
- The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Ottawa-South
“We thank the Government of Canada and FedDev Ontario for their support through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. This investment will strengthen our manufacturing capabilities, enhance our resilience in a changing trade environment, and position Ideal Roofing for continued growth across Canada as we navigate an increasingly complex global trade environment.”
- Philippe Laplante, Co-Chief Executive Officers, Ideal Roofing Company Ltd.
Quick facts
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Founded in 1929, Ideal Roofing is a 4th generation family-owned manufacturer of steel roofing and cladding systems for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and institutional buildings with a full steel service center division.
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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.
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The Government of Canada is introducing a package of new tariff support measures, including a $500 million liquidity stream through the BDC Pivot to Grow Loan Program expanded eligibility for BDC's Steel and Aluminum Support Program, and Forestry Support Program, the new Canada Strong Diversification Fund backed by $2 billion in funding, enhancements to the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL) facility, and a new suite of $3.5 billion in Rapid Response Benefit Program for Workers and Employers.
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Together, these measures will help businesses and workers respond to trade pressures, strengthen competitiveness, support economic resilience, and protect jobs across Canada.
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Learn more about some of FedDev Ontario's recipients by visiting our impact stories page.
Associated links
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
FedDev Ontario Media Relations
media@feddevontario.gc.ca
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