CTMA advocates for Canadian tooling & machining industry
The CTMA is concerned about the recent announcement allowing vehicles manufactured in China to enter the Canadian market. While much of the public conversation has focused on finished vehicles, the implications extend far beyond assembly and sales. Canada’s tooling, machining, and advanced manufacturing sector underpins the automotive supply chain. Many CTMA member companies design, build, and maintain the tooling, moulds, dies, and machinery required to support domestic production. These companies employ highly skilled workers, invest locally, and contribute to Canada’s long-term industrial competitiveness. Policy decisions that significantly increase exposure to heavily subsidized foreign production risk weakening domestic supply chains,
CTMA, CMTDA Unite for a Memorable 2025 AGM & Dinner
CTMA's 2025-26 Board of Directors. Back row, from left: Ted Rosts, Densmore tool & Die Works Limited; Rob Forstinger, FBTinc; Steven Lenardon, Arlen Tool Group; Michelle Henning, Answer Precision Technologies; and Mike Van Nie, Valiant TMS. Front row, from left: Alex Mazerolle, Archer Precision; Eli Meisels, FGL Molds; Louis Jahn, Jahn Engineering; Tania Sabados, Rapid Gear; and Chris Hergott, XL Tool Inc. CTMA photo More than 170 members of Canada’s precision metalworking community gathered at the Lamplighter Inn in London, Ont., for the Canadian Tooling & Machining Association’s (CTMA) 2025 Annual General Meeting & Dinner — one
First in Canada — labour mobility improvements coming to Ontario
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, certain regulated professionals licensed elsewhere in Canada will be able to work in Ontario within 10 days of applying to the applicable Ontario regulatory authority. This will make it considerably easier for Ontario employers to hire skilled workers from anywhere in the country in a variety of regulated occupations and enhance flexibility to staff short-term projects. According to the Government of Ontario, the goal is to build a unified Canadian workforce that can stand up to U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty. The Regulation,Ontario Labour Mobility Act, 2009, will apply to professions covered by more than 50
Big News for CTMA & Ontario’s Skilled Trades
CTMA's Robert Cattle with Premier Ford during the announcement on Sept. 2, 2025. CTMA photo As part of a major $12.9 million investment from the Ontario government through the Skills Development Fund (SDF), the CTMA is proud to receive $2.25 million to deliver experiential work placements in the precision metalworking industry, as part of the plan to deliver training programs in sectors affected by U.S. tariffs and policies. On Sept. 2, Premier Doug Ford announced that the Ontario government is investing over $12.9 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to help over 50,000 people in Waterloo Region
New Protect Ontario Financing Program offers financial relief for tariff-impacted businesses
The Ontario Government has launched the Protect Ontario Financing Program to assist eligible Ontario companies impacted by tariffs with financial support to help cover everyday expenses (working capital). The Program is designed to provide critical support for businesses that are facing significant tariff-related disruptions as a result of s.232 tariffs on steel, aluminum and autos. This fund will provide immediate relief for Ontario businesses that are facing s.232 tariff-related working capital challenges, such as: payroll lease payments utility payments Eligibility The fund supports for-profit businesses (legal entity or limited partnership) registered to carry out business in Ontario. Eligibility To
MEDJCT launches Ontario Together Trade Fund
The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade (MEDJCT) has recently launched a new competitive funding program to support businesses to make near-term investments to enhance trade security and trade diversity – the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF). The OTTF is a $50 million fund to help businesses make short-term investments. It aims to help businesses serve more customers across the provinces, develop new markets, and bring back critical supply chains affected by U.S. tariffs. The program provides funding for companies to address impacts of U.S. trade disruptions and that align with Ontario’s key economic priorities, including: Trade diversity: Diversifying sales portfolios: Expanding