Ontario allocates $2.6 million to boost aerospace jobs and defence readiness

The Ontario government announced an investment of nearly $2.6 million through its Trade‑Impacted Communities Program to support workers and companies in the province’s aerospace and defence sectors. The funding, unveiled at the Farnborough International Airshow, was awarded to Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR), a not‑for‑profit consortium that brings together aerospace firms, academic institutions and research groups.

The money backs three initiatives: the DAIR Green Fund for collaborative R&D on new aerospace technologies; the Supplier Development Initiative to help small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises upgrade technology, operations and workforce skills; and the Defence Readiness Program that prepares firms to qualify for defence contracts and secure supply‑chain resilience. Minister Vic Fedeli said Ontario is ready to “seize this once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity” and create new partnerships for its skilled workforce, while DAIR executive director Phil Arthurs highlighted the aim to make Ontario SMEs more innovative and competitive.

Ontario’s aerospace industry employs more than 25,000 people directly across over 200 companies, with nearly 24,000 indirect jobs, and the investment is part of a broader $3.2 million initiative and a $30 billion tariff‑relief plan intended to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on U.S. markets.