Government Programs & Trade Resources
York Region Economic Development is working closely with local municipal, provincial, and federal partners in regards to newly implemented tariffs by the United States. Please find links and resources below to different tariff-related support progams.
Federal & Provincial Funding Programs
Regional Tariff Response Initiative
Financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises impacted by tariffs.
Strategic Response Fund
For innovative projects in sectors affected by the U.S. tariffs.
Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL)
Loans with minimum of $60 million for large Canadian enterprises affected by current and future tariffs and countermeasures.
Pivot to Grow Loan (BDC)
Up to $5M in loans to modernize operations, offset costs, and adapt to changing markets.
Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing employers
A funding opportunity designed to support skills development during Work-Sharing agreements.
Process for requesting remission of tariffs
Request exceptional relief from tariffs imposed as part of Canada’s countermeasures, as well as any future tariff actions.
Protect Ontario Financing Program
Offers up to $1 billion in liquidity support through loans for qualifying businesses facing working capital hurdles like payroll, utilities, and lease payments. Eligibility covers sectors hit by Section 232 and Section 338 tariffs (such as steel, aluminum, copper, and auto).Ontario
Together Trade Fund
Provides $150 million to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) re-shore supply chains and reach new markets.
Trade-Impacted Communities Program
A $40 million initiative helping local industries reduce reliance on U.S. markets and build partnerships elsewhere.
Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit
Delivers an estimated $2.7 billion in income tax support over five years for capital investments in manufacturing equipment and buildings.
Trade & Export Support
Federal & Provincial Trade Missions
The Government of Canada and Ontario Government regularly participate in trade missions across the world. Use the calendar links below to discover in-market opportunities that your company might want to participate in.
- Trade Commissioner Service (TCS): TCS helps companies navigate the complexities of international markets and make better business decisions and is on the ground in more than 160 cities worldwide and offers information on how to diversify your exports.
- Global Affairs Canada: Federal agency that manages diplomatic relations, promote international trade and provide consular assistance.
- Invest Ontario International Trade and Investment Offices: The Ontario Government operates a network of International Trade and Investment Offices, located in Canadian diplomatic Missions around the world.
- Export Development Canada (EDC): Provides trade finance and risk mitigation services to Canadian companies involved in export trade.
- Business Development Bank of Canada: EDC’s sister financial crown corporation, business bank devoted to entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED): ISED works with Canadians in all areas of the economy and in all parts of the country to improve conditions for investment.
- NGen Canada: ResilienceHQ provides practical information to help companies adjust to a new and challenging trade environment.
- Canada Border Services Agency Export Program (CBSA): Canada-United States Relations – Federal trade agreements.
- Canadian Manufacturing Exporters (CME): a non-profit industry organization with national board of directors represent manufacturers (2,500 members) of all sizes and subsectors in Canada.
- Farm Credit Canada (FCC): Financial support to exporting agri-food companies.
- Agriculture and Agri Food Canada: Programs and services supporting innovation, sustainable farming, business development, risk management, trade and market development.
Note: As programs continuously change or are updated, we encourage businesses to always confirm accuracy of details and application requirements directly with the responsible organization.
Regional Export Overview
According to Statistics Canada 2023 data, nearly 2,900 business establishments in York Region export goods and services with an annual total export value of $14.5 billion. Most exports are to the U.S. with 81% (or $11.8 billion) of total exports value, remainder of the exports are to non-U.S. countries with 19% ($2.7 billion).
Manufacturing is by far the largest export sector in York Region with 82% (or $11.9 billion) of total export value and 87% share of the overall U.S. destination. Wholesale trade is the next largest export at $1.7 billion (12%) of the total export value.
In 2023, York Region’s total goods imports amounted to $45.4 billion. Of these, over 62% ($28.1 billion) originated from non-U.S. countries, while the remaining 38% ($17.3 billion) came from the U.S.
The largest importing sector in the Region was wholesale trade, which accounted for 76% ($34.3 billion) of the import value. At the enterprise level, over 9,100 establishments in the Region were engaged in import activities.
View Interactive York Region Import / Export Dashboard
Our Team is Ready to Support Your Business
With the uncertainty around potential tariffs and trade disruptions, York Region Economic Development is working closely with our partners at all levels of government to ensure we are ready to assist businesses. The Regional Municipality of York is committed to supporting the business community across York Region.
DISCLAIMER:
These resources are aggregated from a variety of sources. Links to third-party resources listed on this website are provided as an information service to the local business community. York Region Economic Development does not endorse, recommend, or approve the suitability of any third-party resources unless stated otherwise, and users should make their own inquiries and conduct due diligence as necessary. The Regional Municipality of York shall not be liable or responsible for any matter arising from use of these resources.
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