Waterloo Region receives $1.1 million to protect workers from tariffs
Posted Aug 13, 2026 05:53:45 PM.
Last Updated Aug 14, 2026 06:18:11 AM.
The Ontario Government has announced that it will be investing over $1.1 million into Waterloo Region. The government says that the funding is to help protect workers in the Waterloo Region from tariffs. In addition, the investment will help reduce reliance on U.S. markets.
This investment through the Trade-Impacted Communities Program goes towards two different local projects. In the government’s news release, they say that the investment will help protect 1,230 jobs in Waterloo Region.
The investments
The Regional Municipality of Waterloo is investing over $1.3 million into the regions Aviation, Aerospace and Defence Strategic Growth Initiative. Ontario is providing $838,700 in funding to the region in support of the investment. The main focus of this investment are the manufacturing exports that play a big role in Canada’s aerospace supply chain. As a result, the government says that this investment will create 50 jobs, while supporting 1,000 existing jobs.
Premier Doug Ford said in a statement that this investment is Ontario backing up the region.
“Today’s investment is part of our plan to double down on Waterloo Region’s world-class companies in manufacturing, defence, health care and more, so we can meet whatever challenges that come our way.”
The City of Waterloo also announced a $600,000 investment into Waterloo Health Innovation Economic Development. In support of this investment, Ontario announced an added $270,000 in funding towards building an export-ready Health Tech Sector. The government says this accelerator program will create 120 new jobs and support 60 remaining positions.
MPP of Kitchener and Conestoga, Mike Harris says investments in these areas are important for the Waterloo Region’s future:
“Waterloo Region is home to strong and growing health technology and aerospace sectors. By investing in these key industries, we’re helping local companies reach new international markets, attract new investment to our region and reduce our reliance on U.S. trade. These investments will help build the kind of resilience that will keep Waterloo Region’s economy strong for years to come, while helping drive Ontario forward as we build one of the strongest, most competitive and self-reliant economies in the G7.”
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