CONNOR LUCZKA, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Just before trade tariffs were announced that stand to alter the economic landscape of the continent, the federal government was in town to announce support for a few notable businesses.
MP Ruby Sahota, minister of democratic institutions and the minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (otherwise known as FedDev Ontario), was in Stratford with London West MP Arielle Kayabaga and London North Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos on March 3 to announce over $1.5 million to Accumetal Manufacturing, among other companies.
Sahota prefaced her announcement by reminding those in attendance the region of southern Ontario is home to over 14 million people and is a leader of emerging technologies that produce 40 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product.
“Part of southern Ontario's success is thanks to our rich industrial heritage, proximity to major markets and world leading strengths in sectors such as finance, automotive, aerospace, life sciences, manufacturing and more,” Sahota said. “Accumetal is a prime example of the kind of innovation that this region is known for around the world.”
With the money, the Stratford manufacturer will scale up production of its fabricated-metal components for off-road-equipment manufacturing industries, including rail, defence, mining and recycling.
Bob Allen, president of Accumetal, said the funding will specifically go to implementing new technology into its 60,000 square-foot facility on the edge of town in Stratford. Accumetal will expand its robotics and implement some cobot welders, a robotic device that can weld alongside humans. It will go towards increasing the company’s productivity and helping it remain competitive.
“In turn, it will allow us to grow our business and our workforce,” Allen said.
Just hours after the announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a blanket 25 per-cent tariff on all Canadian goods and a 10 per-cent tariff on Canadian energy would come into effect the very next day on March 4.
While the announcement was not made due to the looming tariffs, they were nonetheless top of mind for everyone at the event that day. When asked why Canadians, both local and across the country, could trust the current government to effectively deal with the tariffs, Sohota said they have “an appropriate response prepared that is well calibrated.”
“You can count on a government that has, through the pandemic, been there for people,” Fragiskatos added. “We've learned from that experience and we are absolutely ready to support workers and businesses through what could be some very, very difficult times.”
Sohota later clarified that as the tariff situation develops, the federal government will be looking for ways to support Canadian businesses.
The funding for Accumetal is apart of an over $24-million investment to support the growth of 10 businesses in southern Ontario, from Stratford to Whitby. Along with Accumetal, ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks Americas Limited, Brannon Steel, CES Transformers, MetalWorks Corp., North American Steel Equipment, Quad Steel, Sensor Technology Ltd., Tempel Canada and Tipco Inc. are also receiving funding.
Since 2015 when the Liberal Party came to power in Canada, FedDev Ontario has invested over $2.8 billion in more than 3,650 projects in southern Ontario, supporting over 275,000 jobs, according to a media release from the federal government.
Comments