Ontario Investing $2.3 M to Protect Tariff-Impacted Businesses

Dec 18

BURLINGTON—The Ontario government is investing $2,334,900, through the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) to support Modern Elevator Innovations Inc. (Modern Elevator) as they increase resilience, build capacity and re-shore critical supply chains to Ontario.

Through this project, Modern Elevator is investing $7,783,000 to expand their Burlington facility and secure new automation equipment that will increase production capacity and help their operations pivot to domestic markets. The investment will create over 40 new, good-paying jobs and protect 35 existing positions in the Halton Region.

“Through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, our government is stepping up for the businesses in our community who’ve been directly affected by U.S. tariffs,” said Natalie Pierre, Member of Provincial Parliament for Burlington. “Modern Elevator’s investment will help them adapt, stay competitive and continue creating good jobs in these uncertain times, all while helping make Ontario’s economy more competitive, resilient and self-reliant.”

First announced as part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, the OTTF is part of the province’s nearly $30 billion tariff relief and support plan, dedicated to protecting the province’s workers and businesses from economic uncertainty and building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy. With a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, the program will help businesses across a diverse range of sectors make the necessary investments to strengthen operations in Ontario, expand market reach and protect workers.

“Support from the Ontario Together Trade Fund is helping Modern Elevator Manufacturing strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and improve productivity. This investment supports the creation of good, skilled jobs and opportunities for more Canadians.” said Gavin Langley, Chief Operating Officer of Modern Elevator Innovations Inc.

Since its launch, the OTTF has received overwhelming demand, with more than 140 applications submitted as of October 2025. In response to this, the government recently announced an additional $100 million investment into the program, bringing the total funding to $150 million over three years. The increased support will enable businesses affected by U.S. tariffs to return production to Ontario, identify new sales opportunities and expand interprovincial trade.

“As U.S. tariffs continue to threaten Ontario’s critical industries, our government remains focused on ensuring our businesses have the resources needed to adapt and expand,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By investing in Modern Elevator through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, we are taking decisive action to enhance the competitiveness of our economy and increasing opportunities for Ontario businesses and workers, now and for generations to come.”

As Ontario continues to navigate the impact of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, the government remains focused on delivering critical funding, cutting red tape, unleashing the economy and supporting workers.

QUICK FACTS

The Ontario Together Trade Fund is a part of Ontario’s broader strategy to support advanced manufacturing and trade-impacted communities, launched or enhanced as part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, including the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, the Protect Ontario Financing Program and the Trade-Impacted Communities Program.
Through the OTTF, the government is also providing complementary supports and services to help businesses navigate regulatory requirements, connect with skilled talent and access government programs that accelerate project success.
Open to Ontario-based businesses investing a minimum of $200,000, eligible projects include modification of existing products to enter new sectors, procurement of advanced equipment and facility modification to enhance domestic manufacturing and sales expansion.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES