{"data":[{"cache":"2026-08-25 11:57:01","ministry_boost":10,"freshness_boost":-0.06236111111111111,"curated_boost":0,"score":9.93763888888889,"id":1007924,"content_body":"

HAMILTON<\/span><\/strong> \u2014 Today, the Ontario government announced that in response to the United States\u2019 newly enacted section 338 tariffs on <\/span>a range of Canadian imports, <\/span>the province will be immediately broadening eligibility for the <\/span>Protect Ontario Financing Program<\/span><\/a> (POFP) to protect impacted Ontario workers and businesses. Working in tandem with the province\u2019s existing tariff-relief measures, the expansion will ensure businesses whose exports are impacted by this new 50 per cent spike, as well as those businesses still subject to the existing section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and automotives, are equipped to withstand mounting operational pressures and keep workers on the job.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cOur government will do whatever it takes to stand up for Ontario workers and protect their jobs and paycheques as we face down this latest economic attack from President Trump,\u201d said Premier Doug Ford. \u201cNow more than ever, Team Canada needs to deliver on our shared commitment to build the most competitive and resilient economy in the G7, so we can attract investment, create jobs and protect workers and their families for decades to come.\u201d<\/p>

Ontario has been clear that unjustified U.S. tariffs hurt workers, businesses and families on both sides of the border by disrupting integrated supply chains, undermining investor confidence and raising costs for American consumers who ultimately bear the cost of U.S. tariffs on Canadian products. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government continues to adapt and use all available tools to mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs, including retaliatory restrictions on U.S. alcohol and procurement, and safeguard critical supply chains and workers from closures and layoffs.<\/p>

\u201cAs President Trump\u2019s tariffs continue to target our province\u2019s key industries and the world-class workers behind them, our government remains unwavering in its commitment to protect Ontario,\u201d said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. \u201cBy broadening eligibility for the Protect Ontario Financing Program and advocating for a fair deal, we will ensure Ontario\u2019s economy can remain competitive and resilient for generations to come, while advancing meaningful, immediate relief for our businesses and their workers today.\u201d<\/p>

First launched in August 2025<\/span><\/a>, the POFP provides up to $1 billion in financial support in the form of loans to Ontario-based businesses facing tariff-related working capital challenges, including payroll, lease payments and utility payments. The program is part of Ontario\u2019s broader $30 billion tariff relief and support plan, which is comprised of a suite of tactical response measures and initiatives to build long-term resiliency and prosperity, including:<\/span><\/p>