By BF Editors
From the January/February 2025 Issue
Ontario was built on foundational industries, including natural resources, manufacturing, farming, and food production that shaped a robust and resilient economy and set the stage for groundbreaking achievements in life sciences and cutting-edge advancements in technology. This fusion of industry and innovation makes Ontario a strong and dynamic economy where businesses thrive.
The provincial government in Toronto, led by Premier Doug Ford since 2018, is building the economy of the future. The province has been making local investments in electric vehicles, clean energy, life sciences, food, and manufacturing to create jobs and help build the economy in communities across Ontario.
“In 2023 alone, more than 80,000 businesses were registered in Ontario… 137 global companies chose the province as the place to invest.”
— Ontario Premier Doug Ford
Efforts have unlocked the economic potential of the Ring of Fire and Ontario’s abundant supply of the critical minerals in the North to produce batteries for electric vehicles.
The province is investing more than $1.5 billion to train the skilled workforce needed to build Ontario’s economy. Training for the skilled trades creates access to thousands of well-paying jobs across in-demand sectors.
Business Facilities recently spoke with Premier Ford about the latest developments for business in Ontario.
Business Facilities: Please tell us about the business climate in Ontario. What are highlights for corporate expansions, as well as for companies considering locating in the province?
Premier Doug Ford: Since day one, our government has been laser-focused on lowering taxes, cutting red tape, and removing trade barriers so businesses can thrive and create good-paying jobs. We’re creating the conditions for job growth which is why 850,000 more people are working today than when we took office.
We’ve cut the cost of doing business by $8 billion a year and we’re cutting over 550 pieces of unnecessary red tape. That’s money back in the pockets of business owners so they can reinvest, grow, and create more jobs. The message is clear: if you’re looking for a place to invest, Ontario is the place to be.
BF: What are target industries in the province? Would you highlight a company or two that have chosen Ontario for their business, and what attracted those decision-makers?
Premier Ford: In 2019, global automakers were planning to spend $300 billion to ramp up electric vehicle production, but not a single dollar was set aside for Canada. Fast forward to today, Ontario has attracted over $45 billion in automotive investments—more than any U.S. state.
And we’re seeing record-breaking investments in life sciences, with over $5 billion from major global companies like Sanofi, AstraZeneca, and Roche. Now we’re introducing Phase 2 of our Life Sciences Strategy, which aims to add 85,000 new workers to the sector by 2030 — a 25% increase. We’re committed to making Ontario the place to be for high-growth industries like automotive and life sciences, ensuring that we continue to create good-paying jobs and build a stronger economy.
BF: What incentives and other programs are being emphasized to foster business retention and encourage others to come to the province? What has job creation looked like in recent years, and into 2025?
Premier Ford: In 2023 alone, more than 80,000 new businesses were registered in Ontario. And it’s not just small businesses — 137 global companies chose Ontario as the place to invest, with more than $11 billion coming into the province, which led to over 12,000 new jobs. That’s real investment and job creation that’s benefiting Ontario families.
We also have Invest Ontario, our province’s investment attraction agency, which has secured over $4.3 billion in investments and created more than 4,100 new jobs. We’ll continue to support our business community with the right tools to ensure Ontario remains the best place to work, invest, and grow.
Nortera Foods Invests $25M In Middlesex County Expansion
On February 5, Nortera Foods celebrated the opening of its $25 million expansion in Middlesex County, Ontario. The frozen vegetable producer’s new 100,000- square-foot expansion increases Nortera’s total freezer space in Strathroy to over 340,000 square feet. The additional space will enable the company to enhance its production and distribution capacity. The expansion also creates new job opportunities, with over 40 positions now at the warehouse; and a total local team of 274.
Since the founding of Strathroy Foods in 1983, the company has been deeply embedded in the heart of Southwestern Ontario’s agricultural community. Now Nortera, the company has partnerships with over 200 local farmers, ensuring that fresh vegetables are picked and packed within hours. Those vegetables are then sold under some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Del Monte.
“Nortera’s growth in Strathroy is a testament to the strength of our county’s agricultural sector and the strategic location that connects us to major markets in Canada and the United States,” said Brian Ropp, Middlesex County Warden. “Located at the crossroads of key transportation routes, including immediate access to major highways, this expansion not only benefits Nortera but also strengthens our region’s position as a key player in the agri-food industry.”
During the celebration, Nortera’s executive team thanked the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc for its support throughout the expansion process, which was integral in ensuring that the project could move forward smoothly and efficiently.
