Ontario Government Invests Over $90 Million to Boost Shipbuilding Industry

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The Ontario government is investing more than $90 million through the Ontario Shipbuilding Grant Program to enhance the province's shipbuilding capacity, supporting local industries and aligning with Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.

In St. Catharines, the Ontario government has announced a significant financial commitment exceeding $90 million aimed at enhancing the province's shipbuilding industry. This investment is being channeled through the Ontario Shipbuilding Grant Program (OSGP) and is intended to address the increasing demand for vessels manufactured in Ontario. The funding is expected to bolster Ontario shipbuilders' capabilities to support Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy while also enhancing the economic competitiveness of the province’s shipbuilding sector and its associated supply chain.
The allocation of funds includes $11 million directed towards Ontario Shipyards, which operates across the Great Lakes, more than $8 million earmarked for Allied Marine and Industrial located in Port Colborne, over $6 million for MetalCraft Marine Inc. in Kingston, and $1.1 million for Connor Industries in Parry Sound. These funds are designated for essential initiatives such as skills training, infrastructure enhancements, and the acquisition of new machinery and equipment.
Moreover, the provincial government plans to expand the OSGP, projecting an additional $64 million in funding in the future. This strategic move aligns with the broader federal Defence Industrial Strategy, which encompasses Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. This strategy emphasizes three primary pillars: the construction of large vessels, the construction of small vessels, and the maintenance, repair, and refitting of vessels.
The OSGP was initially launched in 2025 with the objective of ensuring that Ontario's shipbuilding sector is equipped with the necessary skills, resources, infrastructure, and workforce to effectively contribute to the nation’s maritime security and future shipbuilding needs. This investment not only signifies the Ontario government’s commitment to the growth of its shipbuilding industry but also reflects an understanding of the critical role that this sector plays in the overall economic landscape of the province, particularly in relation to job creation and technological advancement.

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