Tariff relief:

Unlocking government support

March 19, 2025

Canadian businesses are actively adapting and innovating to mitigate the impact of US tariffs and evolving trade pressures. In our recent Tariff Impact Survey, companies shared with us their perspectives on strategies such as enhancing productivity, merger and acquisition opportunities and new business partnerships. Government relief measures can play a crucial role in supporting these efforts—strengthening your business and helping it seize new growth opportunities.

In addition to new programs, companies can turn to existing government initiatives, including tax credits and incentives, that support research and development and other key business investments. In some cases, businesses can combine federal and provincial government supports, helping them move faster by making critical investments more financially viable.

47% of Canadian companies expect to turn to government programs, as well as investors and creditors, to support their organization in the face of US tariffs.

Source: PwC Canada Tariff Impact Survey

Now is the time to consider how your business can access new tariff relief measures and stack existing tax credit and incentive programs to make the most of these funding opportunities. Here are some of the notable new measures we’re monitoring (note some links are only available in French):

Trade Impact ProgramOpens in a new window: Export Development Canada will deploy $5 billion over two years to help exporters reach new markets and navigate economic challenges.

Business Development Bank of Canada loansOpens in a new window: The Business Development Bank of Canada will issue $500 million in favourably priced loans to support businesses impacted by tariffs, including companies in affected supply chains.

Farm Credit Canada financingOpens in a new window: Farm Credit Canada will provide $1 billion in new financing to reduce financial barriers for the agriculture and food industry.

FRONTIERE programOpens in a new window: This program provides financial support of up to $50 million per company to support liquidity needs for businesses in the manufacturing or primary sectors significantly affected by US tariffs. The financial aid will come in the form of loans with a maximum term of seven years and a repayment moratorium of up to 24 months.

Panorama ProgramOpens in a new window: Businesses looking to diversify their exports to markets other than the US can access $200 million in financing and support.

Chantier ProductivitéOpens in a new window: Part of the ESSOR program, Chantier Productivité supports productivity improvement projects with flexible and advantageous financial aid, including interest-free repayable loans and non-repayable contributions for investment projects over $10 million.

Caisse de dépôt et placement du QuébecOpens in a new window: Quebec businesses can access programs through the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec to increase productivity or strategically pivot to new markets.

Fonds de solidarité FTQOpens in a new window: Portfolio companies can receive a six-month deferral on loan interest and principal payments to alleviate short-term financial pressures.

FORCE (Formation pour la résilience et la compétitivité en emploi) (PDF)Opens in a new window: FORCE focuses on developing workforce skills in companies affected by tariffs, enhancing their resilience and competitiveness. The program provides financial assistance to cover the costs of training that improve skills related to innovation, productivity and market diversification.

Initiative de formation sur mesure pour soutenir la diversification des marchésOpens in a new window: This initiative helps Quebec businesses affected by US tariffs develop and strengthen the skills of their workforce and implement diversification strategies targeting markets outside the US.

Working capital loansOpens in a new window: Businesses can access working capital loans of up to $5 million to help maintain operations.

Competitiveness and Growth ProgramOpens in a new window: The New Brunswick government is creating a new $40-million competitiveness and growth program to enhance the long-term sustainability of large export-intensive companies.

New Brunswick Fisheries FundOpens in a new window: The province is providing $4 million to support seafood producers.

Strategic assistance budgetOpens in a new window: The New Brunswick government is also using its existing $30-million strategic assistance budget to support contingency planning, market diversification and productivity improvements.

Export Enhancement and Diversification FundOpens in a new window: Prince Edward Island businesses can access non-repayable assistance covering up to 60% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $32,000. Eligible expenses include market research, advertising, trade shows (including travel) and market strategies. (Program runs from March 4, 2025, to March 31, 2026).

Ongoing program supportOpens in a new window: Innovation PEI continues to support businesses navigating tariff challenges through existing programs. Enhanced outreach efforts connect companies with resources for operational investment, productivity improvements and supply-chain diversification.

Tariff Working Capital ProgramOpens in a new window: Island businesses affected by tariffs can access working capital financing of up to $500,000 over six years at a fixed rate of 4%. Principal payments are deferred for 12 months. This program helps business maintain operations, preserve jobs and invest in market and supply chain alternatives.

Programs benefiting producersOpens in a new window: Through existing Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) programming, the federal and provincial governments are redirecting cost-shared funding into the following programs: