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The Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade (MEDJCT) has been actively assisting businesses navigate the challenges posed by U.S. tariffs. – which intensified Aug. 1 when U.S President Donald Trump imposed a 35% jump on some Canadian products - through various programs and initiatives. 

Approximately 20 local manufacturers were urged to access those programs during a recent roundtable discussion at our office featuring several provincial leaders, including Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli, who spoke highly of the benefits of the $50 million Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) program.

Fedeli also spoke about the $30 billion in ‘firepower’ the Province has allocated to support Ontario businesses and trade, which includes $9 billion in tax relief and another $2 billion to reduce WSIB payments.

“We also have $5 billion waiting to be unleashed to help the economy,” he said, before urging businesses to diversify in other markets. “We really have advanced interprovincial trade and I encourage manufacturers to take advantage of what’s happening today.”

Level playing field needed

He also spoke about Ontario’s ‘east to west’ economic push around the globe compared to relying on deals south of the border, noting that last year 409 international companies set up in the province which translates into $40 billion worth of investment and just over 24,000 jobs.

During his address to our roundtable guests, Cambridge Chamber President & CEO Greg Durocher spoke about the importance of confidence when it comes to building our economy.

“If we’re trying to grow our economy, internally or externally, we need to figure out how do we create a playing field where entrepreneurs have confidence in being able to invest in their company, knowing the government is going to be there or someone is going to be there, to ensure the ship stays steady,” he said.

In a recent release just prior to the Aug. 1 trade deal deadline, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce touted the importance of the federal government to also prioritize a strong, future-focused deal over a rushed one.

“A little more time now can deliver lasting benefits for an integrated North American economy — and that’s well worth the wait,” said Candace Laing, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.  “In the meantime, we have CUSMA, which, at present, is still being honoured, leaving much of our cross-border trade tariff-free. However, not all Canadian businesses have this advantage and the jump to 35% tariffs on non-CUSMA compliant products places an additional load on them.”

Programs and initiatives that could assist your business:

Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF)

The $50 million OTTF provides financial support to help businesses near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains in the face of U.S. tariffs. Funding levels for the program – which opened April 23 - are based on an assessment of the project’s impact. New applications being accepted.

Invest Ontario

Invest Ontario is the central agency dedicated to attracting strategic business investments that create jobs, generate returns for the province, and drive long-term economic growth. It focuses on key sectors like advanced manufacturing, technology, and life sciences, aiming to position Ontario as a key destination for investment.

Trade-Impacted Communities Program (TICP)

The TCIP is a $40 million initiative designed to help communities and local industries in Ontario navigate economic challenges caused by trade disruptions, particularly those stemming from the U.S. The program – divided into two streams - focuses on supporting projects that strengthen economic resilience, diversify supply chains, and foster new trade partnerships beyond the U.S. market. The first stream provides $250,000 to $2 million to community economic development projects, while the second provides funding from $2 million to $10 million to large-scale transformational projects. Stream one applications being accepted in accordance with available funding. Stream applications open Sept. 11, 2025.

Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON)

Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) is a provincial agency established by the Government of Ontario to support businesses and researchers in maximizing the value of their intellectual property (IP). IPON provides education, funding, and mentorship to help innovators and businesses protect their IP, strengthen their capacity to grow, and enhance research and commercialization outcomes. 

Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit (OMMITC)

The OMMITC aims to encourage investments and protect jobs in the manufacturing sector in Ontario. Eligible manufacturers could receive up to $2 million per year for an associated group on certain purchases of manufacturing and processing property. The program helps manufacturers lower their costs, innovated, and become more competitive. 

Regional Innovation Centres (RICs)

RICs are a network of 18 non-profit organizations that support the growth of innovative, technology-focused businesses. They provide resources and programs to help start-ups, and growing companies develop, scale, and succeed in global markets. Programming and services are offered to clients who are typically in the early stages of growing innovation.

Business Advisory Services

The Ontario Ministry of Economic Development’s Business Advisory Services works with established firms to find ways to better understand business needs and growth opportunities. These services can cover a wide range of areas, including strategic planning, financial management, risk management, and operational efficiency. Essentially, they provide expert insights to help businesses navigate challenges and achieve their goals.

Regional Development Program

This program – divided into two funds covering eastern and southwestern Ontario – targets companies in eligible sectors with at least three years of operations and that employ at least 10 people (five if located in a rural community). It provides loans up to 15% of funding to a maximum of $5 million. New round of applications expected to reopen.

Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC)

The AMIC stream is a program within Province’s Regional Development Program, designed to support advanced manufacturing businesses in improving their competitiveness through investments in equipment, technology, and workforce skills. It specifically focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, chemical, ICT, life sciences, and steel. New round of applications expected to reopen.