Ontario Investing $936,000 to Protect Tariff-Impacted Workers and Businesses in Waterloo Region

March 20, 2026

Spa Dent Inc’s project investment of over $2.3 Million will protect and create 50 jobs

WATERLOO REGION —The Ontario government is investing $936,000, through the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) to help Spa Dent Inc. increase resilience, build capacity and re-shore critical supply chains to Ontario.

Through this investment, Spa Dent is investing over $2.3 M to lease additional manufacturing space, purchase and install new production lines which will allow them to market products in Canada and internationally, reducing its reliance on exports to the U.S. The investment will create 20 new, good-paying jobs and protect 30 existing positions across Waterloo Region.

“Through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, our government is stepping up for the businesses in our community who’ve been directly affected by U.S. tariffs,” said MPP Jess Dixon, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener South – Hespeler. “Spa Dent’s investment will help them adapt, stay competitive and continue creating good jobs in these uncertain times, all while helping make Ontario’s economy more competitive, resilient and self-reliant.”

First announced as part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, the OTTF is part of the province’s nearly $30 billion tariff relief and support plan, dedicated to protecting the province’s workers and businesses from economic uncertainty and building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy. With a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, the program will help businesses across a diverse range of sectors make the necessary investments to strengthen operations in Ontario, expand market reach, and protect workers.

Since its launch, the OTTF has received overwhelming demand and in response to this, the government announced an additional $100 million investment into the program last year, bringing the total funding to $150 million over three years. The increased support will enable businesses affected by U.S. tariffs to return production to Ontario, identify new sales opportunities and expand interprovincial trade.

“We are deeply grateful for this grant, which has been critical in enabling us to pivot and expand during these uncertain trade times,” said Marcia Hilliard-Baird, CEO of Spa Dent. “We are thrilled to be hiring highly skilled professionals in science, engineering, quality control, and production roles. This support allows us to increase our capacity and supply more high-quality healthcare and better-for-you cosmetic and personal care products to Canadians.”

“As U.S. tariffs continue to threaten Ontario’s critical industries, our government remains focused on ensuring our businesses have the resources needed to adapt and expand,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By investing in Spa Dent through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, we are taking decisive action to enhance the competitiveness of our economy and increasing opportunities for Ontario businesses and workers, now and for generations to come.” As Ontario continues to navigate the impact of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, the government remains focused on delivering critical funding, cutting red tape, unleashing the economy, and supporting workers.

QUICK FACTS

  • The Ontario Together Trade Fund is a part of Ontario’s broader strategy to support advanced manufacturing and trade-impacted communities, launched or enhancedas part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, including the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, the Protect Ontario Financing Program and the Trade-Impacted Communities Program.
  • Through the OTTF, the government is also providing complementary supports and services to help businesses navigate regulatory requirements, connect with skilled talent, and access government programs that accelerate project success.
  • Open to Ontario-based businesses investing a minimum of $200,000, eligible projects include modification of existing products to enter new sectors, procurement of advanced equipment and facility modification to enhance domestic manufacturing and sales expansion.
  • Spa Dent Inc., founded in 2009, is a developer and manufacturer of oral care, beauty, and personal care products based in Cambridge, ON. The company serves customers in both the U.S. and Canada, with products sold through professional, salon, and retail channels.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

MEDIA CONTACTS

Bonita Dua
MPP Jess Dixon
Bonita.dua@pc.ola.org