Ontario Taking Action to Protect Workers Amid Economic Uncertainty

The Ontario government is providing approximately $11 billion in relief and support for workers and businesses as it protects the province’s economy from economic uncertainty and the impact of U.S. tariffs.

“In the face of President Trump’s attacks on Ontario’s economy, our government will do whatever it takes to protect Ontario workers and businesses. Today’s measures will help give workers and businesses the support they need in the face of growing economic uncertainty,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We can’t control President Trump, but we’re in full control of the kind of future we build for ourselves. The best way to protect Ontario is to build the most competitive economy in the G7, breaking down internal trade barriers and diversifying our trade so we can build a more resilient, prosperous and secure province.”

As a first step to support workers and businesses, the province is:

• Deferring select provincially administered taxes for six months from April 1, 2025, to October 1, 2025, giving businesses and job creators approximately $9 billion worth of cash flow they need to keep workers employed and weather the economic turmoil.
• Through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), issuing a further $2 billion rebate for safe employers to support businesses and help keep workers on the job, in addition to the previous $2 billion rebate distributed in March.

To protect Ontario’s economy, the government will deliver on its mandate to break down internal trade barriers, make the province’s economy the most competitive in the G7, including by speeding up timelines and approvals for development, as well as diversifying trading partners and helping businesses if they need to retool and retrain workers for new customers in new markets.

“We are ready to protect Ontario’s workers, businesses and families from the economic uncertainty of U.S.-imposed tariffs,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Today’s measures help Ontario to weather the storm while continuing to build on our plan for ongoing prosperity.”

“In the last year, the WSIB provided historic, 50-year-low premiums to over 320,000 employers and surplus rebates to over 280,000 safe employers,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Ontario is looking to provide further relief to employers through an additional distribution that will help them keep workers on the jobs, whatever comes our way from President Trump.”

“In the face of economic uncertainty, Ontario stands ready with a plan that will defend the interests of our families and workers, protect our economy and jobs, and build a strong, stable future for generations to come.” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

The government is ready to do whatever is necessary to protect Ontario.

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