Niagara Construction News staff writer
Ontario is putting more than $90 million into the province’s shipbuilding industry as part of a plan to expand local capacity, support defence projects and create thousands of jobs.
Premier Doug Ford announced funding Thursday in St. Catharines, saying the money will help Ontario shipbuilders meet growing demand for Canadian-made vessels and strengthen the province’s marine industry.
“As Canada and our allies work together, making record investments in defence and global security, Ontario is ready to build the ships that will protect our country and keep our economy moving,” Ford said.
Funding comes through the Ontario Shipbuilding Grant Program, which will provide funding for training, equipment and upgrades at shipyards across the province.
Here’s how the money will be allocated:
- $11 million in Ontario Shipyards, which operates across the Great Lakes
- More than $8 million in Allied Marine and Industrial in Port Colborne
- More than $6 million in MetalCraft Marine Inc. in Kingston
- $1.1 million in Connor Industries in Parry Sound
Ontario is also expanding the program, making up to $64 million in additional funding available in future rounds.
“The marine sector is a vital driver of Ontario’s economy,” said Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria. “Our government is making historic investments in Ontario’s shipbuilding industry to ensure the sector’s long-term prosperity and generate good-paying jobs.”
Funding is expected to help Ontario companies take part in Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, a federal program to build and maintain ships for the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada.
It will also support the defence industry plans as Canada increases spending on security and defence.
“Ontario stands ready to seize this generational opportunity for workers and businesses,” said Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Minister Vic Fedeli. “We are equipping shipbuilders across the province to design, develop and deploy the marine technologies our supply chains need.”
Ontario launched the shipbuilding grant program in 2025 to help companies expand their operations and prepare for future demand.
Ontario has more than 10,500 kilometres of shoreline along the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, waterways that support trade, transportation and the marine economy.
