Winnipeg manufacturers splitting $15.9M from Ottawa to offset impact of U.S. tariffs

New federal money is on the way to Winnipeg manufacturers as Ottawa looks to strengthen Canadian businesses amid growing trade tensions with the U.S.

Nearly $16 million is earmarked for 15 manufacturing projects led by 11 organizations across Winnipeg.

“Two weeks ago, Washington imposed additional unjustified tariffs on Canadian goods, and that’s created even more uncertainty for workers and for businesses,” said Eleanor Olszewski, the minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan).

In response, Ottawa says it’s now rolling out new support to help Canadian businesses deal with that latest round of tariffs.

More than $2 million will be split between two projects at Fort Garry Fire Trucks, with part of the money helping bring more of its production in house and strengthen its Canadian supply chain.

“To expand and put these funds to work, Fort Garry has already secured an additional building here in Centreport to increase productivity and capacity,” said Robert Pike, the national sales manager at Fort Garry Fire Trucks. “Expansion plans will see streamlined pump assembly, chassis modification, and subcomponent assembly.”

The century-old Winnipeg manufacturer employs about 150 people and builds specialized fire trucks that are shipped across Canada and the world.

Smartrend Manufacturing Group, a 140,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, will also receive part of the funding – a touch over $3 million – to expand into new markets and automate parts of its electronics production line.

“These investments will enhance our electronics manufacturing capabilities, increase capacity and support new product development. That investment translates directly into an investment in Manitoba,” said Tara Chawla, the company’s director of marketing and communication.

Part of the money being received by Innovair Industrial Limited is to add on-site gas storage and cryo-genic gas transport trailers, as well as standardize its robotic welding systems.

“For Innovair, this is more than a growth project,” said president and CEO Grant Cockshott. This is a chance for us to hire and train talented people, develop new technical capabilities here in Manitoba, support Western Canadian manufacturers, and help build a more resilient Canadian industrial base.”

Other Winnipeg companies receiving funding are Argus Industries, Buhler Versatile, City Sheet Metal Co., Global Drain Technologies, International Truck Body, Micro Tool & Machine, NeuStar Manufacturing, and Structural Composite Technologies.

The Winnipeg investments are part of $7.5 billion in new and enhanced federal support announced in response to the latest U.S. tariffs.