The Ford government is making a major investment in Ontario’s marine sector with a $215 million plan to support shipbuilding across the province.
Ontario says the new funding includes $15 million for the Ontario Shipbuilding Grant Program (OSGP), a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at helping local shipbuilders modernize and grow. According to the province, the OSGP will provide non-repayable grants covering up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs. These projects may include new equipment, facility upgrades, or worker training.
The province says the goal is to strengthen Ontario’s role in Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy while boosting economic growth in the face of global uncertainty and U.S. tariffs. The Ministry of Transportation says the grant program will help ensure Ontario’s manufacturers are prepared to support future defence contracts and contribute to national security.
Applications for the grant program open later this month through Transfer Payment Ontario. Additional investment details are expected in the months ahead.
According to the province, the marine sector contributed more than $280 million to Ontario’s GDP in 2024, and enhancing shipbuilding will build on that momentum. Ontario officials say the new investment will help position the province as a leader in maritime innovation while supporting skilled jobs and regional development from the Great Lakes to Northern Ontario.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)