Funding will boost shipbuilding capacity while enhancing national security
KINGSTON — The Ontario government has awarded $6 million to MetalCraft Marine Inc. in Kingston through the Ontario Shipbuilding Grant Program (OSGP) to help meet growing demand for Ontario-made vessels. The OSGP is a key component of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by boosting the economic competitiveness of the province’s shipbuilders while supporting national security and defence initiatives.
“Today’s announcement is a huge win for MetalCraft Marine Inc. and the City of Kingston,” said John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. “This investment will support jobs and economic growth in the region, strengthen the company’s capacity to build advanced marine vessels and support national security.”
Ontario launched the OSGP in 2025 to ensure shipbuilders have the skills, resources and infrastructure they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape while contributing to Canada’s maritime security. The OSGP will play a key role in supporting the federal government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and the Ontario Defence Industrial Strategy while creating thousands of well-paying jobs in the province’s marine sector.
“As Canada and our allies work together, making record investments in defence and global security, Ontario is ready to build the ships that will protect our country and keep our economy moving,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s investment will increase the resilience of Ontario’s marine industry, support thousands of good-paying jobs across Ontario and give businesses more ways to get their products to market.”
“Our government is taking concrete steps to create a world-class shipbuilding sector here in Ontario as shipbuilders across the province face unprecedented demand,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The investments we’re making through the OSGP will increase our shipbuilding capacity, drive economic growth and enhance national security.”
- Last year, Ontario announced $215 million in funding to support the province’s shipbuilding industry and broader marine sector.
- The second application intake for the OSGP is expected to launch in late summer 2026. Successful applicants for OSGP funding will be notified in writing by the Ministry of Transportation.
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| Media Contacts Hannah Jensen Premier’s Office Hannah.Jensen2@ontario.ca Dakota Brasier Minister Sarkaria’s Office Dakota.Brasier@ontario.ca Julie Caslin Communications Branch MTO.Media@ontario.ca |