Invest in Hamilton

The federal and provincial governments announced a comprehensive $8.7 billion action plan aimed at safeguarding Ontario’s strategic industries and protecting the workforce from the impacts of U.S. tariffs. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Doug Ford detailed the collaborative strategy, which focuses on fortifying the steel, automotive, and critical mineral sectors.

For the Hamilton region, which serves as a central hub for advanced manufacturing and steel production, the announcement signals significant forthcoming support for local industries, supply chains, and the broader investment landscape.

Central to the action plan is the creation of a Joint Steel Action Fund, backed by $3.55 billion from the federal government and $1.67 billion from the province. This initiative aims to:

• Diversify Production: Prepare Canadian steel firms to support emerging and growing sectors, including defence, advanced manufacturing, and energy infrastructure.
• Boost Domestic Demand: Prioritize domestic steel in public procurement through “Buy Canadian” and “Buy Ontario” policies.
• Enhance Protections: Strengthen enforcement by the Canada Border Services Agency against foreign steel dumping and unfair subsidization.
• Strategic Oversight: Establish a Canada-Ontario Steel Task Force to provide guidance on sector competitiveness, with an immediate focus on reducing shipping costs and monitoring import trends.

The plan allocates an additional $2.5 billion over two years to modernize the automotive sector. Comprising $1.5 billion in federal funds and $1 billion from Ontario, this capital will enable manufacturers to invest in upgraded machinery and production lines, particularly for the development of connected and electric vehicles (EVs). Furthermore, greenhouse gas emissions standards for new light-duty vehicles will be maintained at 2026 levels through the 2029 model year. A newly established Canada-Ontario Automotive Task Force will coordinate these transitional measures to support the industry’s shift.

To secure the materials necessary for future manufacturing, the federal government will match Ontario’s initial investment of up to $1 billion to advance road infrastructure in Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire region. The initiative includes establishing a coordinated provincial and federal permitting process to streamline approvals. Additionally, a working group will be formed to engage meaningfully with First Nations, identifying economic opportunities and studying options for conservation and Indigenous protected areas.

This coordinated investment highlights a commitment to stabilizing the industrial supply chain amid global economic uncertainty. For investors and businesses operating in Hamilton, the $8.7 billion framework provides a roadmap for infrastructure growth, expanded market opportunities, and enhanced protection for the manufacturing and steel sectors that drive the local economy.