Policy, Trade & Economy
PLANT says Budget 2026, titled Masters of Our Destiny, puts heavy emphasis on economic sovereignty, productivity and attracting private investment amid an uncertain global trade environment. CME welcomed its focus on competitiveness, business investment and resilience.
Check the budget's investment and productivity measures against your 2027 capex plan.
Policy, Trade & Economy
S&P Global's Canada Manufacturing PMI fell to 49.6 as output and new orders decreased, a renewed downturn PLANT ties to tariffs. Canadian Plastics reports it is the sector's first contraction of 2026, with tariffs and supply disruptions hitting demand and raising costs.
Demand is softening and costs are rising; stress-test Q1 order books and price pass-through.
Supply Chain & Reshoring
Canada has extended tariff relief on certain Chinese steel and aluminum products not made in Canada through 2028, as part of a broader trade arrangement between the two countries, PLANT reports.
If you import steel or aluminum inputs Canada doesn't make, confirm whether the relief covers your tariff lines.
Plants, Investment & M&A
More than 100 Canadian companies have reportedly signed agreements with Ontario Power Generation to deliver the small modular reactor project, including GTHA manufacturers, Canadian Manufacturing reports.
Nuclear supply chain work is flowing to Ontario shops; check OPG's supplier channels if you have qualified capacity.
Automation & Technology Adoption
Hitachi Rail opened a new technology centre in Toronto as it expands Canadian technology and engineering capabilities, including a $105 million program to develop next-generation SelTrac digital signalling incorporating AI, 5G and edge computing.
Rail-signalling R&D is growing in the GTA; controls and embedded suppliers and talent pools are worth watching.
Funding & Grants
BDC launched two entrepreneur-led programs to make small businesses, and BDC itself, more productive with AI. The Connect&GO founder and former Frank & Oak CTO will help SMEs rethink their relationship with AI and BDC, BetaKit reports.
If you are an SME with BDC ties, ask your adviser how to join; terms and eligibility are not in the report.
Workforce & Skills
Bruce Power's Unit 5 Major Component Replacement outage has begun. The program and ongoing operations will reportedly create and sustain 22,000 direct and indirect jobs annually and contribute about $4 billion in annual economic benefits across Ontario.
Multi-year nuclear work anchors skilled-trades demand in Ontario; plan for competition for that labour.
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