August 20, 2026
Source: samoosterhoffmpp.ca
Provincial investment will protect local jobs, attract new investment and support economic growth through the Niagara Region’s Thrive Niagara Initiative
Niagara — The Ontario government is investing $650,000 through the Trade-Impacted Communities Program (TICP) to protect workers and strengthen key industries in Niagara Region impacted by U.S. tariffs. The investment will support Niagara Region’s launch of Thrive Niagara, a new initiative focused on growing the region’s advanced manufacturing, defence & aerospace, and automotive sectors.
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, announced the investment today as part of the Ontario government’s ongoing work to protect workers, businesses and communities from the impacts of U.S. tariffs and continued global economic uncertainty.
“Niagara’s skilled workers and industrial strengths have long positioned the local economy for investment and growth,” said MPP Oosterhoff. “Through our government’s Trade-Impacted Communities Program, we are ensuring our local communities are equipped to protect workers against the impacts of U.S. tariffs today, while building a more resilient, self-reliant, and competitive economy for the future.”
Through Thrive Niagara, Niagara Region will build on the economic and industrial strengths found across its 12 local municipalities to attract new investment, strengthen local supply chains and create new opportunities for Niagara workers and businesses. The initiative will focus on expanding export capacity and opening new markets, supporting the growth of strategic industries and strengthening collaboration between businesses and communities both within Ontario and across Canada.
“Niagara residents feel the strength of our economy through the jobs and opportunities available close to home. This $650,000 provincial investment will help us attract new business, support good local jobs and grow sectors with strong potential across the region. Thrive Niagara builds on the combined strengths of our 12 municipalities and helps ensure that future economic growth benefits communities throughout Niagara.” — Tom Insinna, Acting Regional Chair, Niagara Region
“Niagara has the location, industrial base and expertise needed to compete for new investment in defence, advanced manufacturing and other growing sectors. This funding will help us identify opportunities, promote Niagara’s strengths and connect with companies looking to invest in Ontario. Through Thrive Niagara, our goal is straightforward: attract new investment, support good local jobs and strengthen Niagara’s economy for the long term.” — George Spezza, Director, Economic Development, Niagara Region
The $40 million Trade-Impacted Communities Program was first announced as part of Ontario’s nearly $30 billion plan to protect workers, businesses and communities from the impacts of U.S. tariffs. The program is supporting communities and industries that have been disproportionately impacted by global trade disruptions, helping them attract investment, diversify supply chains and reach new domestic and international markets.
“As U.S. tariffs continue to impact key sectors across Ontario, our government is taking decisive action to ensure regional communities have the tools they need to withstand economic pressure and secure new, long-term investments,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the Trade-Impacted Communities Program, we are proud to invest in the Niagara Region’s Thrive Niagara, which will support local workers and strengthen domestic supply chains, while unlocking new trade and export partnerships.”
With Niagara’s strategic location, skilled workforce and established manufacturing base, the region is well positioned to compete for new investment in growing industries. As Ontario continues to respond to U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, the government is working with local partners to protect existing jobs, create new opportunities for workers and ensure communities such as Niagara have the tools they need to remain competitive and resilient for years to come.
QUICK FACTS
- The Trade-Impacted Communities Program is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to support tariff-impacted communities, which focuses on ensuring long-term economic stability and growth while reshoring and strengthening supply chains.
- Open to municipal governments, economic development organizations, sector and industry associations, business accelerators, and incubators, TICP funds community-level projects that build economic resilience, diversify supply chains, and foster new trade partnerships in response to U.S. trade disruptions.
- The program works in tandem with the Ontario Together Trade Fund, the Protect Ontario Financing Program and the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit.
- Since its launch, the government has received over 80 applications from communities across Ontario and is actively assessing projects for consideration.
- Applications for Stream 1 will be accepted on a continuous basis as long as funding is available. The application window for Stream 2 closed as of September 11, 2025.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES