Ontario is offering around $11 billion in aid to support the province’s workers and businesses, helping shield the economy from uncertainty and the effects of U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
In a press release, the provincial government stated that it’s deferring select administered taxes for six months from April 1, 2025, to Oct. 1, 2025, and issuing a $2-billion rebate for safe employers through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), in addition to the $2-billion rebate distributed in March.
“In the face of President Trump’s attacks on Ontario’s economy, our government will do whatever it takes to protect Ontario workers and businesses,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s measures will help give workers and businesses the support they need in the face of growing economic uncertainty.”
The Ontario government has also announced tax relief for businesses across its 10 business-related tax programs. These include the Employer Health Tax, Insurance Premium Tax, Gasoline and Fuel Taxes, Mining Tax, Tobacco Tax, International Fuel Tax Agreement, Beer, Wine and Spirits Tax, Retail Sales Tax on insurance contracts and benefit plans, and the Race Tracks Tax.
Last week, Trump went ahead with 25 per cent tariffs on automobile imports that started on April 3, which were added to existing 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S., including from Canada. He also unveiled a 10 per cent baseline tariff on imports from most countries and a lengthy list of higher tariffs dozens of countries will face.
“We can’t control President Trump, but we’re in full control of the kind of future we build for ourselves,” Ford added. “The best way to protect Ontario is to build the most competitive economy in the G7, breaking down internal trade barriers and diversifying our trade so we can build a more resilient, prosperous and secure province.”
A White House fact sheet said goods imported under the CUSMA free-trade pact will not face tariffs, although imports that fall outside of it will be hit with 25 per cent levies.
A day later, Prime Minister Mark Carney hit back at Trump’s auto tariffs with matching levies on vehicles imported from the United States. Canada’s counter-tariffs impact all cars that do not comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, along with any non-Canadian content in compliant vehicles.
