Tariff Support for Waterloo Region Businesses

Question 1

Export Development Canada Trade Impact Program

Answer

The program will deploy $5 billion over two years, starting this year, to help exporters reach new markets for Canadian products and help companies navigate the economic challenges imposed by the tariffs, including losses from non-payment, currency fluctuations, lack of access to cash flows, and barriers to expansion.

Question 2

Business Development Bank of Canada Loan Program

Answer

The Department of Finance Canada has announced $500 million in favourably priced loans available through BDC to support impacted businesses in sectors directly targeted by tariffs, as well as companies in their supply chains. Businesses will also benefit from advisory services in areas such as financial management and market diversification.

Question 3

Farm Credit Canada Financing Program

Answer

The Department of Finance Canada has announced $1 billion in new financing through Farm Credit Canada to reduce financial barriers for the Canadian agriculture and food industry. This lending offer will help address cash flow challenges so that businesses can adjust to a new operating environment and continue to supply the high-quality agricultural and food products that Canadians rely on.

Question 4

Excellence In Manufacturing Consortium “Member Needs Help” Program

Answer

The Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium "Member Needs Help" program is an exclusive service for its members, designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the manufacturing community. For a limited time, the Canada/US Trade Relations Edition is open to all Canadian manufacturers. Here you can review questions and pose new ones to a community of peers and experts.

Question 5

EI Work-Sharing Program

Answer

The EI Work-Sharing Program provides EI benefits to employees who agree with their employer to work reduced hours due to a decrease in business activity beyond their employer’s control. Temporary flexibilities have been introduced to this program.

Question 6

Government of Canada Trade Commissioner Service Support

Answer

For businesses seeking new markets, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service provides support in over 160 locations worldwide. With 15 ratified Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) covering 49 countries, Canadian businesses can access 1.5 billion consumers.

Business diversification is critical to business success. The Trade Commissioner Service has developed a suite of tools and information to help businesses through tariff challenges.

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service will help exporters navigate the tariffs by understanding how your business is affected, identifying potential new markets, connecting you with the right contacts to help problem solve and helping you find potential partners and opportunities in new markets.

Question 7

Ontario Chamber of Commerce Tariff Guide

Answer

The OCC has created a 10-step resource to mitigate tariff impacts and stay competitive.

Question 8

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Business Funding

Answer

This is a concierge program from the Government of Canada to help find programs, services, and funding available to businesses.

Question 9

Remission of Tariffs

Answer

In some select circumstances, the Canadian government will allow a business relief from paying tariffs on goods from the United States in certain circumstances.

Question 10

Tax Deferment for Ontario Businesses

Answer

The Ontario government has launched a program to increase financial flexibility for businesses through a tax deferment. Ontario businesses can temporarily delay payments for select provincially administered taxes for six months from April 1, 2025 to October 1, 2025. All taxes owed must be paid by October 1, 2025.

Question 11

MEDJCT Trade Programs

Answer

The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade offers programs/services regularly for Ontario companies looking to start, expand and diversify their exports. Most of these supports are free – incoming buyer missions; exporter education seminars/workshops such as “New Exporters to Border States” and “Pitch Preparation”; Market/Sector seminars and more.

Export Business Missions include a variety of services for companies looking to participate in a trade mission/exhibition. Ontario delegates benefit from a comprehensive program that may include exhibit space, B2B matchmaking and advisory services, special events and more, at a reduced cost than if they were to participate in these events independently, saving companies both time and money. Access the searchable Online Trade Calendar to find upcoming missions/events and how you can register.

Question 12

MEDJCT Export Advisor Service

Answer

Ready to take the next step in your export journey? Arrange a free, confidential one-on-one consultation with an Export Advisor in Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Complete their online form and an Export Advisor will contact you within two days.

Question 13

Trillium Network GIS Map Tool

Answer

Get access to information for more than 12,000 manufacturing establishments and 250 ecosystem partners in Ontario, visually depicted on an interactive map, with enhanced search features.

Question 14

NGEN ResilienceHQ Comprehensive Import Data

Answer

Get a comprehensive list of all products imported into Canada from the United States – find opportunities to fill gaps in the Canadian market. Even more data available with NGEN’s ResilienceHQ tool.

Question 15

Canada’s Business Registries

Answer

The Government of Canada searchable directory for Canadian businesses – find potential suppliers.

Question 16

Canadian Importers

Answer

A searchable list of companies that import goods into Canada, sorted by product, city or country of origin. Find new international suppliers outside the United States.

Question 17

Canada Tariff Finder

Answer

Get tariff information for specific products and countries where Canada has a trade agreement.

Question 18

CBC Tariff Frequently Asked Questions

Answer

Get your Tariff 101 questions answered, including what tariffs are, how they work, affects on the Canadian dollar and more.

Question 19

CFIB Canada-US Trade War Resource

Answer

An explainer from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business providing an overview of US tariffs, Canada’s response and an opportunity to feed into CFIB advocacy campaigns.

Question 20

Toronto Region Board of Trade Tariff Playbook

Answer

A long-form guide sharing strategies on cash flow, tariff-proofing, supply chain resilience and more.

Question 21

Canada’s Trade Agreements

Answer

Explore Canada’s free trade agreements, foreign investment promotion and protection agreements, plurilateral agreements and World Trade Organization agreements.

Question 22

Toronto Region Board of Trade Complacency to Competitiveness Report

Answer

A long-form blueprint for improving Canada’s competitiveness and productivity, including perspectives on tax/regulatory changes, trade strategies and nation-building.

Question 23

MEDJCT Custom Guide to Export Supports

Answer

Are you a business looking to export or expand your business internationally, but not sure where to begin? This online tool helps companies at various stages of export readiness, by providing curated tips and a custom guide with resources offered by Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and other organizations, to support them.

Question 24

Ontario Made Product Catalogue

Answer

An online catalogue of products that are made in Ontario, including consumer products and business supplies.

Question 25

Made in CA Product Catalogue

Answer

An online catalogue of products that are made in Canada, including consumer products and business supplies.