CIAC Welcomes Ontario’s 2025 Budget and Investment in Industrial Growth 

May 16, 2025

The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) congratulates the Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, on Ontario’s 2025 Budget, “A Plan to Protect Ontario.” The budget’s focus on industrial competitiveness, workforce development, and investment attraction is well aligned with the needs of Ontario’s chemistry and plastics sectors. For Ontario and Canada to meet the moment, it is critical that our policies are viewed through a competitiveness lens to future-proof our economy while continuing to support our workers and deliver on our sustainability commitments. 

Highlights for Chemistry and Plastics Sector: 

  • $600M added to the Invest Ontario Fund to support job creation and new investment. 
  • $4B in WSIB rebates for safe employers in 2025. 
  • Enhanced Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit: raised to 15% and expanded to public corporations. 
  • $5B Tariff Relief Fund to support impacted businesses and protect jobs. 
  • $500M Critical Minerals Processing Fund to promote domestic processing and value-chain growth. 
  • $1B expansion of the Skills Development Fund, now a $2.5B initiative. 
  • Commitment to reducing interprovincial trade and labour mobility barriers. 
  • Launch of an annual “Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian” Day. 

CIAC supports the government’s continued emphasis on critical minerals, EV and battery manufacturing—sectors heavily reliant on chemistry-based inputs. Ontario’s chemical producers are vital to lightweighting, electrification, and advanced material development. 

As the industry transitions to a low-carbon and a circular economy for plastics, CIAC welcomes measures like expanded extended producer responsibility and a regulatory framework for carbon storage. 

Ontario’s chemistry and plastics sector are global leaders in innovation and essential to solving climate, water, and resource challenges. CIAC looks forward to continued collaboration with the province to strengthen manufacturing and drive sustainable growth. 

About the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) 
The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) is the voice of Canada’s chemistry and plastics sectors—vital contributors to the country’s manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability goals. CIAC represents nearly 100 leading chemical and plastics companies that are committed to Responsible Care® and advancing solutions in clean technology, circular economy, and climate action. The sector contributes over $70 billion annually to Canada’s economy and supports more than 500,000 jobs across supply chains. CIAC advocates for a competitive business environment that enables investment, sustainable growth, and global leadership in chemistry-based innovation.