Kanata, Stittsville, Bells Corners, and Carp are home to a strong and diverse community of businesses, entrepreneurs, manufacturers and workers who contribute so much to our local economy. I know that the uncertainty created by U.S. tariffs is creating real challenges for many in our community, from rising costs and supply chain pressures to uncertainty around investment, hiring, and growth.
Recently, I met with several local businesses across our community to hear directly about the challenges they are facing and the priorities they want to see addressed. These conversations are important to ensuring that the experiences of local businesses and workers are heard in Ottawa and help inform our government’s response.
My priority is to make sure that businesses and workers in our riding have access to the supports and resources available to help them navigate these challenges. I’ve highlighted programs and resources that may be helpful, and my team and I are here to help you find the right support.
Federal supports for tariff-affected businesses
The Government of Canada has introduced a range of supports to help businesses respond to U.S. tariffs, adapt, remain competitive and build long-term resilience.
Business Growth and Adaptation
Regional Tariff Response Initiative, Pivot Projects (Regional Development Agencies): Businesses can get up to $1 million in non-repayable contributions, or $1 million to $20 million in repayable contributions to help adapt to tariffs.
Canada Strong Diversification Fund, Pivot stream (ISED): at least $10 million for projects with at least $20 million in eligible costs, supporting key sectors hit hard by tariffs.
Pivot to Grow Program, Pivot project or Equipment Support (BDC): up to $5 million to help businesses purchase equipment or pivot their projects.
All Pivot to Grow streams together are capped at $10 million.
Industry-Specific Support
Softwood Lumber Guarantee Program (BDC): $500,000 to $50 million in BOC-guaranteed financing through participating lenders, for pivot projects that will help softwood lumber
businesses adapt.
Forestry Support Program (BDC): up to $25 million in preferred-rate financing with advisory support, plus up to $25 million to stabilize cash flow for forestry-related businesses.
Steel and Aluminium Industries Support Program (BDC): $1 million to $50 million to help steel and aluminium businesses cover the extra costs of tariffs, protect jobs and keep their doors open.
Workforce Support
Workforce Retention and Retraining Program (ESDC): combines enhanced Employment Insurance Work-Sharing flexibilities with the Worker Retention Grant to help businesses and workers avoid tariff-related layoffs.
Cashflow and Operations
Regional Tariff Response Initiative, Liquidity stream (Regional Development Agencies): up to $2 million to help businesses’ cash flows and make them less vulnerable to trade disruptions.
Canada Strong Diversification Fund, Liquidity stream (ISED): $10 million to $30 million to help companies hit by tariffs keep up with ongoing maintenance on their equipment and facilities.
Pivot to Grow Program, Liquidity stream (BDC): up to $5 million to help businesses cover a cash shortfall caused by tariffs within the next 12 months.
Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility (CEEFC): Financing to help large enterprises keep operating while they adjust to new U.S. tariffs.
To explore all available programs and support measures, visit canada.ca/canadastrong or call 1-800-O-Canada.
Download this information as a printable 2-pager: Tariff Handout