Muhammad Amanullah
September 11, 2026

The Canadian province of Ontario has expanded financial support for businesses affected by the ongoing trade war between Canada and the United States, with the aim of protecting businesses and jobs from the impact of tariffs and new trade restrictions.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that businesses operating in additional sectors affected by US tariffs and new trade measures will now be eligible for provincial financial assistance programs.

The announcement comes as Canada continues to impose retaliatory tariffs in response to US trade measures, while US President Donald Trump has announced additional actions targeting Canadian products.

The measures include restrictions on imports of certain Canadian dairy products, motorcycles and alcohol products, as well as additional tariffs of up to 50 percent on a range of goods.

Ontario Expands Support Programs

The provincial government said businesses affected by US measures will now be eligible for financial assistance through the C$1 billion Protect Ontario Financing Program and the Ontario Together Trade Fund.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Ford said developments in recent weeks had once again demonstrated that Ontario cannot rely entirely on the United States.

He said the expanded programs are intended to support businesses facing difficult circumstances and help protect jobs across the province.

More Sectors Added

According to the provincial government, additional sectors will become eligible for support following the implementation of additional 50 percent tariffs by the US government starting September 15.

The affected sectors include certain steel, aluminum and other metal products.

The expanded list also includes mattresses, furniture, certain paper products and motorboats. Businesses producing or exporting certain dairy products and leather-related goods may also qualify for financial assistance if they meet the required conditions.

Motorcycles and Alcohol Products

After US import restrictions take effect on September 29, the range of sectors eligible for the support programs will expand further.

At that stage, export businesses involved in most Canadian alcohol products, certain dairy products and motorcycles with engines larger than 800cc will also be able to apply for financial assistance.

The provincial government said the measures are designed to reduce the immediate financial pressure created by changes in US trade policy and help affected businesses continue operating.

Loans Available to Businesses

Under the Protect Ontario Financing Program, businesses affected by tariffs will be able to access loans.

The funding can be used to cover day-to-day operating costs, including employee wages, rent for business premises and electricity and other essential utility bills.

The province said the financial assistance is intended to support businesses experiencing challenges such as declining production, exports or revenues as a result of US tariffs.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the financial assistance, businesses must operate in Ontario.

Businesses may also be eligible if they are direct exporters in sectors affected by tariffs imposed under US Section 232 or Section 238, or if they form part of an affected supply chain.

Eligible sectors include businesses connected to steel, aluminum, vehicles, mechanical equipment, plastic products, beverages and furniture.

Revenue and Employment Requirements

Businesses seeking assistance must have annual revenues of at least C$2 million.

They must also employ at least 10 full-time workers in Ontario.

In addition, businesses must have attempted to access financial support available through the federal government or have faced barriers preventing them from accessing federal assistance.

Ontario Government’s Position

Ontario Minister of Economic Development Vic Fedeli said the provincial government is taking action to help businesses overcome current difficulties while strengthening the economy to deal with future challenges.

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said the Ontario Together Trade Fund has already helped several companies recover their businesses and move into new markets and directions.

He said the provincial government would continue introducing additional measures as circumstances evolve.

Ford also made clear that Ontario would not back down in the face of US tariffs and economic uncertainty.

The provincial government’s priority, he said, is to protect local industries, jobs and economic activity while expanding financial support to help businesses manage the impact of the ongoing trade war.

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Ontario Expands $1 Billion Support Program for Businesses Hit by Trade War

By Muhammad Amanullah
September 11, 2026

The Canadian province of Ontario has expanded financial support for businesses affected by the ongoing trade war between Canada and the United States, with the aim of protecting businesses and jobs from the impact of tariffs and new trade restrictions.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that businesses operating in additional sectors affected by US tariffs and new trade measures will now be eligible for provincial financial assistance programs.

The announcement comes as Canada continues to impose retaliatory tariffs in response to US trade measures, while US President Donald Trump has announced additional actions targeting Canadian products.

The measures include restrictions on imports of certain Canadian dairy products, motorcycles and alcohol products, as well as additional tariffs of up to 50 percent on a range of goods.

Ontario Expands Support Programs

The provincial government said businesses affected by US measures will now be eligible for financial assistance through the C$1 billion Protect Ontario Financing Program and the Ontario Together Trade Fund.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Ford said developments in recent weeks had once again demonstrated that Ontario cannot rely entirely on the United States.

He said the expanded programs are intended to support businesses facing difficult circumstances and help protect jobs across the province.

More Sectors Added

According to the provincial government, additional sectors will become eligible for support following the implementation of additional 50 percent tariffs by the US government starting September 15.

The affected sectors include certain steel, aluminum and other metal products.

The expanded list also includes mattresses, furniture, certain paper products and motorboats. Businesses producing or exporting certain dairy products and leather-related goods may also qualify for financial assistance if they meet the required conditions.

Motorcycles and Alcohol Products

After US import restrictions take effect on September 29, the range of sectors eligible for the support programs will expand further.

At that stage, export businesses involved in most Canadian alcohol products, certain dairy products and motorcycles with engines larger than 800cc will also be able to apply for financial assistance.

The provincial government said the measures are designed to reduce the immediate financial pressure created by changes in US trade policy and help affected businesses continue operating.

Loans Available to Businesses

Under the Protect Ontario Financing Program, businesses affected by tariffs will be able to access loans.

The funding can be used to cover day-to-day operating costs, including employee wages, rent for business premises and electricity and other essential utility bills.

The province said the financial assistance is intended to support businesses experiencing challenges such as declining production, exports or revenues as a result of US tariffs.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the financial assistance, businesses must operate in Ontario.

Businesses may also be eligible if they are direct exporters in sectors affected by tariffs imposed under US Section 232 or Section 238, or if they form part of an affected supply chain.

Eligible sectors include businesses connected to steel, aluminum, vehicles, mechanical equipment, plastic products, beverages and furniture.

Revenue and Employment Requirements

Businesses seeking assistance must have annual revenues of at least C$2 million.

They must also employ at least 10 full-time workers in Ontario.

In addition, businesses must have attempted to access financial support available through the federal government or have faced barriers preventing them from accessing federal assistance.

Ontario Government’s Position

Ontario Minister of Economic Development Vic Fedeli said the provincial government is taking action to help businesses overcome current difficulties while strengthening the economy to deal with future challenges.

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said the Ontario Together Trade Fund has already helped several companies recover their businesses and move into new markets and directions.

He said the provincial government would continue introducing additional measures as circumstances evolve.

Ford also made clear that Ontario would not back down in the face of US tariffs and economic uncertainty.

The provincial government’s priority, he said, is to protect local industries, jobs and economic activity while expanding financial support to help businesses manage the impact of the ongoing trade war.