Manufacturing remains one of the most important contributors to Niagara’s economy, employing over 22,100 people and generating 14 per cent of the region’s gross domestic product. Anchored by core industries such as transportation equipment, fabricated metals, food and beverage processing, and industrial machinery, Niagara’s manufacturing base is both diverse and resilient. However, it operates in a competitive global environment where productivity and investment capacity are key determinants of long-term viability.
The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce supports the continued implementation and expansion of the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit (OMMITC). This policy, bolstered by a $1.3 billion funding commitment announced on May 5, 2025, addresses one of the most persistent structural barriers facing Niagara manufacturers: the high upfront cost of capital investment.
By increasing the refundable credit to 15 per cent, the OMMITC enables firms of all sizes to modernize equipment, scale production, and adopt cleaner, more efficient technologies.
As the province and its regional economies transition to advanced manufacturing and compete for high-value supply chain opportunities, tools like the OMMITC will be critical. Through the expected life of the program, which will end in 2027-28, the tax credit will provide an estimated $1.4 billion in income tax support to Ontario manufactures and processors, creating jobs and supporting economic growth in manufacturing regions like Niagara. The GNCC is enthusiastic about this forward-thinking, long-term investment in economic growth, and supports this effort to drive prosperity in our province.
