Expanded support program eligibility will help keep workers on the job in impacted sectors
In response to the United States government’s latest import ban on Canadian alcohol, dairy products and motorcycles, the Ontario government is expanding eligibility under the Protect Ontario Financing Program (POFP) to these sectors to protect impacted workers and businesses. The expansion reflects the government’s adaptive approach towards ongoing U.S. trade actions, ensuring businesses are equipped with the capital support needed to withstand mounting operational pressures, keep workers on the job and reshore supply chains. The POFP continues to support businesses still subject to existing section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and automotives, as well as a broad range of goods previously tariffed under the section 338.
“As the U.S. administration continues to threaten Ontario’s leading industries, our government remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the economy, defend our workers and lay the foundation for a strong and stable future,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By broadening eligibility for our relief programs, we’re ensuring Ontario businesses are not only equipped to navigate the challenges of present day but can take the necessary steps to reduce long-term reliance on a single market and diversify their international exports.”
The U.S. import ban builds on a series of punitive trade actions levied by the U.S. government against Canadian exports, including an additional 50 per cent tariff on a range of products that took effect on September 15. The Ontario government took immediate action to broaden the eligibility of the province’s trade programs, allowing newly affected businesses to access immediate supports in the form of loans and grants that would help them diversify into new markets and reshore supply chains away from the U.S.
The $1 billion POFP provides immediate relief for Ontario businesses impacted by tariffs and trade disruptions by providing loans that can be used for costs such as payroll, lease payments and utilities.
The government is also expanding eligibility under the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF). The $150 million OTTF provides grants or loans to small and medium-sized Ontario businesses to help them expand interprovincial trade and reshore supply chains away from the U.S.
“Our government is taking decisive action to protect Ontario workers, businesses and communities from ongoing U.S. trade actions that are taking direct aim at our economy,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “By diversifying exports, unlocking free trade within Canada and providing targeted supports for trade-impacted sectors, we are strengthening Ontario’s economic resilience and competitiveness. These measures are helping businesses adapt, attract investment and create good-paying jobs, while ensuring Ontario remains well-positioned to navigate global uncertainty and seize new opportunities for long-term growth.”
As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government continues to adapt and use all available tools to mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs, including retaliatory restrictions on U.S. alcohol and procurement, while leading on the efforts to expand trade within Canada. Earlier this year, Ontario co-led a historic operating agreement between eight other provinces to allow direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales of alcoholic beverages between their individual jurisdictions for personal use. The expansion of DTC marked the removal of a major trade barrier within Canada, setting forward a path for a more open and united national economy.
The Ontario government is also facilitating opportunities for impacted businesses to unlock new trade links and expand their export reach beyond the U.S. market through targeted trade missions. The province led over 60 targeted export missions in 2025, with 2026 projected to see nearly 70 additional export missions by year’s end. Efforts to diversify Ontario’s trade has seen significant success as global demand for Ontario-made goods continues to grow.
As Ontario continues to navigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, the government remains focused on delivering critical funding, cutting red tape and positioning the economy to be the most competitive, resilient and self-reliant in the G7.
Quick Facts
- Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act, 1962 authorizes the U.S. President to place tariffs (among other actions) on goods from other countries if those imports are deemed to threaten national security. Using section 232, the U.S. has placed tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and autos, among other products, threatening Ontario jobs and businesses.
- Starting in August 2026, the U.S. has invoked section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 for the first time, imposing 50 per cent tariffs on a broad range of Canadian goods. The administration subsequently expanded its section 338 trade restrictions to include additional tariffs and import bans on products such as alcohol, dairy products and motorcycles, effective September 29, 2026.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
