Federal government funding programs are designed to help Canadian businesses respond to tariff pressures, strengthen supply chains, improve productivity, adopt new technologies, and expand into new markets.
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), helps businesses overcome trade disruptions and includes support for businesses in the steel and automotive industries. It invests in targeted, time-sensitive activities that boost productivity, lower costs, strengthen supply chain resilience, and open doors to new markets, enhancing overall competitiveness.
Canada Tariff Remission
Canada Tariff Remission allows eligible Canadian businesses to request temporary or permanent relief from certain tariffs on U.S.-origin goods, parts, and materials, including refunds for tariffs already paid. Applicants must demonstrate the impact of the tariffs and, where applicable, that suitable Canadian or non-U.S. alternatives are unavailable.
Work-Sharing Program
The Work-Sharing Program helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary decrease in the normal level of business activity, and the decrease is beyond the control of the employer. All employees participating in the agreement must experience a minimum 10% reduction to their normal weekly earnings to comply with the terms of the agreement.
Workforce Retention and Retraining Program
The WRRP combines the Employment Insurance Work-Sharing ProgramProgram and the Worker Retention Grant into a single program to help employers retain and retrain workers during periods of economic adjustment. It introduces additional Work-Sharing flexibilities and provide funding of up to $1,000 per participant to support training and administrative costs, subject to program requirements.
The Canada Strong Diversification Fund
The Canada Strong Diversification Fund (CSDF), delivered through the Strategic Response Fund (SRF), supports Canadian businesses significantly affected by U.S. tariffs. The fund helps businesses maintain operations and supply chains, protect jobs, and strengthen their resilience in response to ongoing trade disruptions.
Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL) facility
The government is introducing greater flexibility to the $10 billion Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility, administered by the Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation (CEEFC). The changes are intended to provide large employers with greater access to flexible liquidity as they navigate ongoing economic uncertainty.
Pivot to Grow Program
Pivot to Grow program provides financing to help businesses maintain operations, pursue new opportunities, invest in productivity, and adapt to changing market conditions while preserving cash flow. Eligible businesses can get up to $5 million to help them counter the effects of tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S.
