The Ontario government announced $16.5 million in funding for eight companies affected by U.S. tariffs, with projects expected to create more than 300 jobs and protect nearly 1,200 existing positions across the province.
The investment through the Ontario Together Trade Fund marks the first round of funding under the program launched in the 2025 provincial budget. The recipient companies will invest a combined total of over $120 million to increase production capacity, reshore supply chains and expand into new markets.
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli made the announcement Nov. 17 in Vaughan, where three of the eight funded companies are located.
Vaughan companies receive funding
Burnco Manufacturing Inc. will receive $2.5 million to support an $8 million investment to increase production capacity at its Vaughan facilities. The project will create 75 new jobs and protect 215 existing positions in the steel bridge sector.
Heali Medical Corp. will receive $1.7 million toward a $5.7 million investment to reshore production from China and expand into European, UK, Asian and Australian markets. The investment will create 12 new jobs and protect five existing positions.
Letar Inc. will receive over $800,000 to support a $2.8 million investment to establish a chemical processing facility in Vaughan. The project will create nine new jobs and protect 32 existing positions.
The government will announce the remaining five recipients in the coming weeks.
Program sees strong demand
The Ontario Together Trade Fund received more than 140 applications as of October 2025, according to the province. In response to demand, the government added $100 million to the program, bringing total funding to $150 million over three years.
The fund focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors. Ontario-based businesses investing a minimum of $200,000 can apply for support to modify products for new sectors, purchase advanced equipment, upgrade facilities or expand sales.
“The tariffs from the U.S. have had tremendous impacts on our economy and our local businesses,” said Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca. “That’s why I am thrilled by this funding announcement from the Ontario government. It will help create more jobs, safeguard existing positions and increase production for three Vaughan companies.”
Part of broader tariff response
The fund is part of Ontario’s nearly $30 billion tariff relief and support plan. The province’s manufacturing sector employs over 800,000 workers.
The government also provides complementary services through the program to help businesses navigate regulatory requirements, connect with skilled workers and access other government programs.
“This funding accelerated our ability to move from prototype to commercial-ready solutions, allowing us to scale our R&D, strengthen our clinical validation efforts and bring innovative health-care technology to market much faster than would have otherwise been possible,” said Heather Sloan and Enwei Li, co-founders of Heali Medical Corp.
