For the latest official information on U.S. tariff measures, Canadian countermeasures and federal support for exporters, businesses should use the Government of Canada and Trade Commissioner Service resources.
Tariff Support
Changes in Canada - U.S. trade policy and tariffs continue to affect businesses, workers and supply chains. The City of Peterborough Economic Development team is monitoring developments and connecting local businesses with current information, funding programs, trade resources and government partners.
This page brings together practical resources to help Peterborough businesses understand current tariff measures, assess Canada - United States - Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) compliance, access financial support, explore new markets and identify alternative suppliers.
Trade rules can change quickly. Businesses should confirm product-specific requirements with their customs broker, legal or trade advisor and the appropriate government agency before making shipping, sourcing or investment decisions.
Latest Trade Updates
- October 6, 2026: Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated its temporary EI guidance with extended eligibility periods and a measure reviewing only the most recent reason for separation for claims starting October 11, 2026.
- October 5, 2026: Canada and Ontario announced $2 million for the second intake of the Food Safety and Growth Initiative. Applications open October 19, 2026 for eligible small agri-food businesses.
- October 2, 2026: The Department of Finance's tariff remission guidance, updated on this date, confirms that the framework remains available to assess requests for exceptional relief from tariffs on certain U.S. goods.
- September 29, 2026: U.S. import bans on selected Canadian products took effect. Ontario confirmed that businesses affected by these actions can now be considered under the expanded Protect Ontario Financing Program and Ontario Together Trade Fund.
- September 15, 2026: The United States modified the products covered by its Section 338 tariffs on Canadian goods and began applying those tariffs in addition to Section 232 duties where both measures cover a product.
- September 10, 2026: Ontario announced expanded eligibility for the Ontario Together Trade Fund and Protect Ontario Financing Program for businesses affected by additional U.S. trade actions.
- September 8, 2026: FedDev Ontario opened applications for the enhanced Regional Tariff Response Initiative in southern Ontario, including up to $3 million in combined non-repayable support for eligible businesses.
- September 1, 2026: Export Development Canada (EDC) expanded its Trade Impact Program to support a greater number of businesses and introduced a $700 million direct-financing envelope.
- August 25, 2026: Following new U.S. tariffs of up to 50 per cent on $27.6 billion in Canadian goods that took effect on August 22, the Government of Canada announced matching counter-tariffs effective September 8 and $7.5 billion in new and expanded supports for Canadian businesses and workers.
- August 24, 2026: Ontario Expanding Protections for Tariff-Impacted Workers.
- Official sources to monitor:
Key Business Resources
Current Canada - U.S. Tariff Information
The Government of Canada provides an online tool that helps businesses identify federal programs and resources based on their needs, region, annual revenue and sector. Answer four questions to receive a tailored list of available supports.
The Peterborough Tariff Toolkit was developed in 2025 through a local collaboration to provide businesses with clear, practical information on tariffs, international trade and market diversification. It brings together guidance, tools and resources relevant to local entrepreneurs and manufacturers.
Startup Canada provides practical tariff and trade resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses navigating changes in the Canada - U.S. trade environment.
Funding and Financing
Agriculture and Agri-Food Supports
Federal programs are available to help agriculture producers and agri-food businesses manage risk, maintain cash flow and access financing. Programs identified by the federal government include AgriStability, AgriInvest, the Advance Payments Program and the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act Program. Agri-food businesses seeking new export or interprovincial markets can review the AgriMarketing Market Diversification program, which is accepting applications.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Supports for Trade Disruptions
AgriMarketing Program: Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Pivot to Grow
BDC's Pivot to Grow financing supports businesses affected by U.S. tariffs and related trade disruption with financing for liquidity needs, business pivot initiatives and equipment investments. Eligible businesses may access flexible repayment terms, including interest-only periods that vary by financing stream. Businesses should review current BDC eligibility and program terms before applying.
BDC Steel and Aluminum Industries Support Program
BDC provides financing from $250,000 to $50 million to eligible Canadian businesses in the steel, aluminum and copper value chain that export to the United States and are materially affected by U.S. tariffs. The program is available until December 31, 2026, or until its financing envelope is fully utilized.
Canada Strong Diversification Fund
The Canada Strong Diversification Fund is a $2 billion federal fund under the Strategic Response Fund that supports tariff-impacted businesses. Current capital-maintenance support is available to eligible businesses demonstrating direct or indirect impacts from U.S. Section 338 tariffs, with funding requests from $5 million to $30 million for projects of up to two years. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis until available funding is fully committed.
The fund has separate streams for adapting, pivoting or diversifying operations and for maintaining existing equipment and buildings. Capital-maintenance funding is non-repayable. Applicants for this stream must have at least 10 full-time equivalent employees, $20 million in annual revenue and average annual capital expenditures of at least $5 million over the previous three fiscal years.
Canada Strong Diversification Fund eligibility and application information
CanExport SMEs provides competitive funding to help eligible Canadian small and medium-sized businesses expand into new international markets. The 2026-27 application intake closed at 12:00 p.m. ET on August 31, 2026, and applications are not being accepted at this time. Information regarding future application intake periods will be posted by the Trade Commissioner Service when available. Support for the agriculture and agri-food sector, including alcoholic beverages, fish and seafood, is now provided through the AgriMarketing program above.
CANtrade™ - Community Futures Peterborough
CANtrade™ provides flexible financing to eligible existing for-profit businesses located and operating in the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, Curve Lake First Nation or Hiawatha First Nation. Subsidiaries of foreign entities are excluded. Loans from $5,000 to $150,000 can support activities such as supply-chain diversification, expansion into new markets, increased production capacity, technology investments and working capital. Applications are open until January 31, 2027, or until all funds are deployed.
Commodities Sectoral Support Program
Transport Canada offers eligible shippers a rebate of 50 per cent of eligible freight costs for qualifying Canadian steel and steel products transported between provinces or territories by rail or marine carrier. Eligible shipments must be non-containerized, have mill certification and be shipped and invoiced on or after August 10, 2026. Rail shipments originating from the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert or Montreal are excluded; shipments ending at those ports may qualify. Applications are assessed in order of receipt, subject to eligibility and available funding.
Commodities Sectoral Support Program eligibility and applications
Export Development Canada (EDC) Trade Impact Program
The EDC Trade Impact Program provides financing, insurance and other commercial support to Canadian companies facing tariff pressures and changing global trade conditions. Effective September 1, 2026, EDC expanded the program to support a greater number of businesses, including small and medium-sized businesses anticipated to be most affected by the new U.S. tariffs, and introduced a $700 million direct-financing envelope.
Food Safety and Growth Initiative Intake 2
Applications open on October 19, 2026. Eligible agri-food producers, processors and service providers with fewer than 100 employees at the project location may receive 50 per cent of eligible project costs, up to $75,000 per project, for food safety and traceability improvements involving specified eligible food products. Applications close on March 1, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. ET, or when available funding is fully committed, whichever comes first.
Food Safety and Growth Initiative Intake 2 eligibility and application information
Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility
The federal Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility provides financing support to large Canadian employers affected by tariff-related uncertainty. The Government of Canada announced changes to increase liquidity support from 24 to 36 months and extend maximum loan terms from 10 to 15 years. Businesses should confirm current loan terms with Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation (CEEFC).
National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)
NRC IRAP provides advice, connections and, in some cases, funding to incorporated, for-profit Canadian businesses with 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven products or services. It supports research and development and other innovation activities. Day-to-day operating costs and purely commercial activities are not eligible. Businesses can call 1-877-994-4727 to discuss eligibility.
Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit
Eligible Ontario manufacturers may claim corporate income tax credits for qualifying investments in buildings, machinery and equipment used for manufacturing or processing in Ontario. For eligible investments made after May 14, 2025 and before 2030, the credit is 15 per cent, up to $3 million per tax year. It is refundable for qualifying Canadian-controlled private corporations and non-refundable for other qualifying corporations. The annual $20 million expenditure limit is shared among associated corporations.
The Ontario Together Trade Fund provides support for businesses making near-term investments to respond to U.S. trade disruptions. Eligible projects can support market diversification, increased production and stronger local supply chains. Ontario also expanded eligibility for businesses affected by the additional U.S. trade actions announced in September.
Applicants must be for-profit businesses registered to operate in Ontario, normally with at least three years of operations and five active full-time equivalent employees. Eligible projects must involve at least $200,000 in costs and be completed within two years. Retail businesses are excluded. Applicants must complete the self-screener and speak with an Ontario Advisor before applying.
For most eligible businesses, grants or loans typically cover 10 to 20 per cent of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $5 million. Projects are only considered for the 75 per cent maximum if they demonstrate exceptional benefits to Ontario and align with provincial priorities.
Protect Ontario Financing Program
The Protect Ontario Financing Program provides term loans to eligible Ontario businesses facing significant working-capital challenges related to Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and autos or Section 338 tariffs. Businesses should review the current program guidelines for eligibility and application requirements. Eligibility has expanded for businesses affected by additional U.S. trade actions, including the September 29 import restrictions on selected products.
Applicants normally need at least $2 million in annual revenue, 10 full-time employees in Ontario and three years of operations. They must demonstrate material working-capital challenges and exhausted federal support options or significant access barriers. Loans start at $250,000; property and new equipment purchases are excluded.
Regional Tariff Response Initiative - FedDev Ontario
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) provides support to businesses facing tariff-related pressures. As of September 8, 2026, applications are open for the enhanced initiative in southern Ontario. Eligible businesses may access up to $3 million in combined non-repayable support, including up to $2 million for demonstrated liquidity needs and up to $1 million for eligible pivot projects. Repayable funding also remains available for larger-scale projects. FedDev Ontario recognizes both direct and indirect tariff exposure, including export and supply-chain impacts, significant cost increases, supply-chain disruption, or loss of revenue or customers. For southern Ontario businesses, the program is delivered through FedDev Ontario.
Applicants must have at least $1 million in annual revenue in at least one of their last two fiscal years. Non-repayable pivot projects can cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.
Liquidity assistance is based primarily on 50 per cent of average eligible monthly payroll for up to 12 months, ending no later than March 31, 2028. Essential operating costs may also be considered.
Businesses should review current FedDev Ontario eligibility and application requirements before applying.
Regional Tariff Response Initiative in Southern Ontario
Visit the FedDev Ontario website for details.
Support for Agriculture and Food Businesses
Farm Credit Canada's (FCC) Trade Disruption Customer Support Program, extended to March 5, 2027, provides financing options for agriculture and food businesses managing cash flow and adapting to trade disruption.
Understand Tariffs and CUSMA
The Canada Tariff Finder allows businesses to review tariff information for products and compare treatment in markets covered by Canada's free trade agreements. Businesses importing goods into Canada can also consult the Canada Border Services Agency's Canadian Customs Tariff for current Canadian tariff schedules and tariff treatment information.
Canadian Customs Tariff - Canada Border Services Agency
Government of Canada guidance on Harmonized System (HS) codes can help businesses identify the product classification used to determine applicable tariff rates.
CUSMA Rules of Origin and Certification
CUSMA compliance can significantly affect the tariff treatment of Canadian goods entering the United States. Businesses should confirm that their products meet applicable rules of origin and that required certification and documentation are in place. CUSMA compliance does not automatically exempt a product from every U.S. tariff measure. Some sector-specific tariffs apply separately. For help with CUSMA compliance, call the Trade Commissioner Service support line at 1-833-760-1167.
Diversify Your Markets
Export Development Canada (EDC) provides market intelligence, financing, insurance and business connection services for companies expanding internationally or managing export risk. Its 2026 Europe market intelligence guide covers sector opportunities, market considerations and trade agreements.
Trade Agreements and Market Access
Canada has a network of free trade agreements that can provide preferential market access for qualifying Canadian goods and services. Businesses considering new markets should review applicable agreements and market-entry requirements.
The Trade Commissioner Service provides market intelligence, international business contacts, trade missions and in-market assistance to eligible Canadian companies. Its checklist and country profiles can help businesses assess readiness and select potential markets.
Strengthen Your Supply Chain
Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council
The Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council connects Indigenous and minority owned businesses to procurement opportunities with companies and governments.
Canadian supplier directories and industry networks can help businesses identify domestic manufacturers, service providers and potential supply-chain partners.
Canadian manufacturers and exporters
Businesses can also search the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce directory for local members and the Government of Canada supplier listings. Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters members can use its B2B Connections Portal to identify Canadian manufacturing partners.
Ontario Made helps businesses and consumers identify products manufactured in Ontario and can support local sourcing efforts.
Understand Your Supply Chain and Import Exposure
Government of Canada tools can help businesses review trade patterns, identify companies importing goods into Canada and assess options for supplier diversification. These tools provide market context; businesses should assess their own product classifications and supplier relationships to determine tariff exposure.
Workforce Supports
Employment Insurance (EI) Work-Sharing Program
The EI Work-Sharing Program can help eligible employers avoid layoffs when there is a temporary decrease in normal business activity that is beyond the employer’s control. Temporary tariff-related special measures are currently available through March 31, 2028, to provide additional flexibility for affected employers. Employers with an approved and implemented Work-Sharing agreement may also be eligible for the Worker Retention Grant to provide additional income support to participating employees who train during reduced hours.
Temporary federal measures are available to support workers affected by tariff-related layoffs or disruptions. These include changes to EI provisions, additional support for certain long-tenured workers and enhanced job-matching services through Job Bank. Businesses and affected workers should consult the Government of Canada for current eligibility requirements.
Temporary EI measures include waiving the one-week waiting period and suspending the allocation of separation earnings for eligible claims or allocations starting between March 30, 2025 and October 9, 2027. Eligible long-tenured workers with claims starting between June 15, 2025 and June 12, 2027 may receive 20 additional weeks of regular benefits, up to a maximum of 65 weeks. Workers should review the applicable claim-start dates and eligibility requirements.
For EI claims starting between October 11, 2026 and October 9, 2027, only the most recent reason for separation will be reviewed. If the worker lost their most recent job through no fault of their own, all insurable employment and hours accumulated during the qualifying period will be used to establish the claim.
Support for workers and employers impacted by tariffs
Temporary employment insurance measures
For local job matching, training and employment services, employers and workers can connect with Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services through its Peterborough provider directory. Local providers include Employment Planning & Counselling (EPC), Agilec and YMCA of Central East Ontario.
The Ontario Job Grant helps eligible employers pay for approved training for current employees and new hires, generally up to $10,000 per trainee. Training must be delivered by an eligible third-party provider. Applications are assessed on an ongoing basis.
Employers with fewer than 100 employees normally contribute at least one-sixth of training costs. When training eligible new hires who were previously unemployed, they may qualify for up to $15,000 per trainee without a minimum employer contribution. Employers with 100 or more employees generally contribute half of training costs.
Skills Advance Ontario funds sector training for workers affected by tariffs and changing markets. Employers or service providers may lead projects. Employers can participate if they have active EI Work-Sharing agreements, employees requiring upskilling or reskilling training that could help prevent job losses, or workforce development needs in high-potential sectors. Intake is ongoing while funds remain.
Worker Retention and Retraining Supports
The Government of Canada has announced a proposed Workforce Retention and Retraining Program that will combine the EI Work-Sharing Program and the Worker Retention Grant. The proposed program would provide additional Work-Sharing flexibilities and up to $1,000 per participant for training and administrative costs. Current Work-Sharing agreements remain in effect while the new program is being developed.
Proposed Workforce Retention and Retraining Program
Upcoming Webinars and Events
Business Support and Government Procurement
For more sessions on federal procurement, R&D tax incentives and business growth, visit Procurement Assistance Canada events, CRA SR&ED webinars and BDC events.
Procurement Assistance Canada: Bidding on Opportunities - October 13, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET
Free, Canada-wide online session on reading solicitation documents, preparing and submitting bids, and understanding how federal suppliers are selected. Intended for businesses familiar with procurement.
Register for Bidding on Opportunities
CRA SR&ED General Information Webinar - October 19, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET
Free online session from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentives, including eligibility, qualifying expenditures and available CRA tools and services.
Register for the CRA SR&ED general information webinar
BDC: Finding growth in a faster world - October 20, 2026, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET
Online session on responding to trade disruption, diversifying suppliers and identifying growth opportunities, including in Canada’s defence sector. Registration includes access to the recording and tools after the event.
BDC: Smart AI investments that pay off - October 21, 2026, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET
Online session on choosing AI investments that improve productivity and support business competitiveness. Registration includes access to the recording and tools after the event.
Register for the BDC AI investment webinar
CRA SR&ED Pre-claim Approval Webinar - October 21, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
Free online session from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on the optional SR&ED pre-claim approval process, including how to apply, eligibility requirements and expected timelines.
BDC: Using acquisitions to accelerate growth - October 22, 2026, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET
Online session on identifying acquisition targets, building an advisory team and choosing a financing structure when buying a business. Registration includes access to the recording and tools after the event.
Procurement Assistance Canada: Introduction to Federal Procurement - October 22, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
Free, Canada-wide online session, hosted by Procurement Assistance Canada’s Ontario Region, on how the federal government buys goods and services and how businesses can assess opportunities to become suppliers.
Export Readiness and U.S. Border Requirements
Using agents and distributors to enter new markets - October 15, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
Free EDC webinar on choosing and managing export agents, distributors and sales intermediaries. Registration requires a free MyEDC account.
New Exporters of Technologies and Services to the U.S. (NETSUS) - October 28, 2026, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ET
Explore U.S. entry, CUSMA, IP, tax and immigration for technology and service exporters.
Do's and Don'ts when crossing the U.S. border - November 4, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. ET
The Government of Ontario, in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is hosting a free webinar for Ontario small and medium-sized businesses on documentation and requirements for moving goods into the United States.
Sector and Market Opportunities
For additional market opportunities, search Trade Commissioner Service events by industry and destination, or browse the Ontario international trade events calendar.
Opportunities for Canadian Agritech and Foodtech in Türkiye - October 20, 2026
Explore agritech and foodtech opportunities and partnerships in Türkiye.
Ontario Nuclear Energy Export Mission to Poland and Romania - October 26-30, 2026
The Government of Ontario, OCNI and the Trade Commissioner Service are organizing a nuclear energy export mission with market briefings, B2B meetings and site visits. The $100 registration fee covers business programming only.
Powering Morocco's Smart Factory & Mobility Revolution - November 3, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. ET
Explore Morocco's advanced manufacturing, automation and mobility opportunities.