en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Government of Ontario announced an investment of over CAD 90 million through the Ontario Shipbuilding Grant Program (OSGP) to enhance the province's shipbuilding capacity. As part of the "Protect Ontario" plan, this investment aims to meet the growing demand for Ontario-built vessels, support Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy, and strengthen the economic competitiveness of Ontario's shipbuilding industry and its supply chain, while creating thousands of high-paying jobs in the marine sector. This investment is part of ongoing efforts under the Ontario Defence Industrial Strategy.
"As Canada and its allies make record investments in defence and global security, Ontario is ready to build the ships that protect our nation and drive our economy," said Premier Ford. "Today's investment will strengthen the resilience of Ontario's marine industry, support thousands of high-paying jobs across the province, and provide businesses with more ways to bring their products to market."
Through the OSGP, Ontario is investing CAD 11 million in Ontario Shipyards, which operates across the Great Lakes; over CAD 8 million in Allied Marine and Industrial in Port Colborne; over CAD 6 million in MetalCraft Marine Inc. in Kingston; and CAD 1.1 million in Connor Industries in Parry Sound. These funds will be used for skills training, infrastructure improvements, and the acquisition of new machinery and equipment. The province will also expand the OSGP, offering up to CAD 64 million in future funding.
"The marine industry is a key driver of Ontario's economy, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars annually to the province's GDP," said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. "Our government is making historic investments in Ontario's shipbuilding industry to ensure its long-term prosperity and create high-paying jobs."
The OSGP will help Ontario shipbuilding companies enhance Canada's capacity under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. The National Shipbuilding Strategy is a long-term project aimed at renewing the combat and non-combat vessel fleets of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Coast Guard, and Transport Canada. As part of the broader federal defence industrial strategy, Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy focuses on three pillars: large vessel construction, small vessel construction, and vessel repair, refit, and maintenance. Supporting this work will complement the Ontario Defence Industrial Strategy, ensuring that the province's shipbuilding companies fully capitalize on the growth in federal defence spending—which could reach CAD 150 billion annually by 2035—and deliver lasting economic benefits for Ontario workers.
