One of the busiest commercial land border crossings in North America, strategically located on the Ontario–Michigan border, Sarnia–Lambton is a dynamic hub for national and international trade and a key contributor to Ontario’s economy. To support the local economy to grow and diversify in the wake of COVID-19, the Government of Canada is helping to bolster Sarnia’s position as a great place to do business and invest.

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Today, Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario and Official Languages), announced Sarnia–Lambton’s official designation as a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Point—a single point of access to resources and information relating to programs that relieve duties, tariffs and taxes for businesses engaged in importing and exporting.

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The FTZ designation will allow Sarnia–Lambton to market themselves as a hub for international trade and to provide coordinated access to government FTZ programs helping to attract more business and foreign direct investment (FDI) to the area.

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Home to a skilled workforce rich in industries such as chemical refinement and agriculture, multiple transportation modes and strong infrastructure, the FTZ point will help bolster trade and export opportunities for businesses, in turn supporting them to expand and create new jobs. Business owners from underrepresented groups such as women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities and persons with disabilities will also be encouraged to participate in available FTZ programs.

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Today’s announcement reinforces the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthening the economy by helping local businesses access the tools they need to succeed and creating new opportunities for trade.