Ontario expands tariff support in response to U.S.

Ontario is expanding financial supports for businesses caught in the crossfire of the escalating Canada–U.S. trade fight , as a new round of American tariffs and import bans targeting key provincial exports begins rolling out this month.

The province announced Thursday it is broadening eligibility for the Protect Ontario Financing Program (POFP) and the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF). The $1‑billion POFP provides immediate relief for tariff‑impacted businesses through loans that can be used for payroll, lease payments, utilities and other operating costs, while the $150‑million OTTF offers grants or loans to small and medium‑sized businesses to help them expand interprovincial trade and reshore supply chains away from the U.S.

The expanded eligibility will take effect on the same days the U.S. measures come into force, ensuring companies can apply for support immediately.