The Richmond Hill Economic Development team is here to help businesses navigate tariff impacts. We are committed to working with Richmond Hill businesses to provide support, connect you with resources, and advocate for response programs.

Understanding and complying with the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) has never been more critical. Whether you're a first‑time exporter or a seasoned trader expanding into the U.S. market, we have compiled the latest tools and support to help you succeed. Below is a comprehensive toolkit to help you mitigate issues when exporting to the U.S., remain competitive, and explore new global opportunities. 

Support for Canadian exporters faced with U.S. tariffs 

The Ontario government introduced a new funding initiative, the Trade-Impacted Communities Program (TICP), to help communities and local industries in Ontario navigate significant economic challenges caused by the U.S. trade disruption.

The Ontario government is introducing the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act to unlock free trade and labour mobility within Canada. This legislation will, if passed, create new opportunities for job creation and investment attraction, supporting economic integration across Canada and cutting costly and unnecessary red tape to help protect and grow Ontario and Canada’s economies.

Ontario is also launching the new $50 million Ontario Together Trade Fund to help businesses make near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains, strengthening Ontario’s trade security and diversification. Ontario now has agreements in place with six provinces to boost free trade. Ontario Signs Agreements to Unlock Free Trade with Alberta and Prince Edward Island | Ontario Newsroom

The Canada Revenue Agency is providing automatic relief to businesses by deferring GST/HST and corporate tax payments and waiving interest on applicable balances from April 2 to June 30, 2025. No application is needed, but timely filing remains essential.

Tax relief for tariff-affected businesses

On April 3, new countermeasures to protect Canadian workers and businesses and defend Canada’s economy were announced. These countermeasures include: 

• 25% tariffs on non-CUSMA compliant fully assembled vehicles imported into Canada from the United States; 
• 25% tariffs on non-Canadian and non-Mexican content of CUSMA compliant fully assembled vehicles imported into Canada from the United States; and, 
• Canada’s intention to develop a framework for auto producers that incentivizes production and investment in Canada. 

The Ontario Government announced measures to support workers and businesses by:

• Deferring select provincially administered taxes for six months from April 1, 2025, to October 1, 2025, giving businesses and job creators approximately $9 billion worth of cash flow they need to keep workers employed and weather the economic turmoil.
• Through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), issuing a further $2 billion rebate for safe employers to support businesses and help keep workers on the job, in addition to the previous $2 billion rebate distributed in March.

The Government of Canada is intensifying its efforts to help Canadian businesses mitigate the impacts of these tariffs and identify new growth opportunities. Please find below resources designed to assist you. 

Department of Finance 

• Tax relief and support for businesses affected by tariffs 
• Government launches consultations on trade measures to prevent diversion of steel products into Canada 
• Support for Canadian businesses and workers 

Global Affairs Canada 

• Supporting Canadian exporters through United States tariff challenges 
• Canada’s Trade Agreements  
• Diversify your exports with the Trade Commissioner Service 
• Expand your business into new markets 
• Doing business in the United States 

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada 

• Programs and services to help your business grow 
• Expert advisory service
• Tools, funding and resources 

Export Development Canada 

• Preparing your business for tariffs: A checklist for exports 
• Trade Expansion Lending Program | EDC
• Trade Impact Program  

Business Development Bank of Canada 

• Support for Canadian businesses impacted by uncertainty around US tariffs 

The assistance programs below are also available:

• Canada Business Benefits Finder
• Canadian Technology Accelerators
• Ontario Funding Programs
• Ontario Skills Development Fund: Training Stream
• Ontario Skills Development Fund: Capital Stream

Export Programs and Organizations

• Agriculture and Agri Food Canada: Programs and services supporting innovation, sustainable farming, business development, risk management, trade and market development.
• Business Development Bank of Canada: EDC’s sister financial crown corporation, business bank devoted to entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Canada Border Services Agency Export Program (CBSA): Canada-United States Relations – Federal trade agreements.
• CanExport Funding: The Trade Commissioner Service's CanExport SMEs program offers up to $50,000 to help eligible businesses cover 50% of costs for international growth, including for travel, participation in trade shows, IP protection and legal advice. 
• Export Development Canada (EDC): Provides trade finance and risk mitigation services to Canadian companies involved in export trade.
• Exporting to World Markets: This Government of Canada guide will provide you with resources to help you learn about foreign markets and make it easier for you to get your products to market.
• Farm Credit Canada (FCC) – financial support to exporting agri-food companies.
• Forum for International Trade Training (FITT): Practical international business training, gold-standard industry backed credentials, and researched-based business resources and is affiliated with EDC.
• Global Affairs Canada: Federal agency that manages diplomatic relations, promote international trade and provide consular assistance.
• 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.
• 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. Working closely with Canadian federal, provincial and municipal partners, these offices raise Ontario’s profile and build commercial relations in key global markets.
• Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development:  Responsible for EDC and a mandate to support and develop Canada’s export trade.
• Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC): Non-profit advocacy and member services organization with 60,000 members, including large multinational corporations, small-to-medium-sized enterprises, labour unions, postsecondary institutions, non-profits, associations and close to 150 chambers of commerce and boards of trade.
• 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.

Industry Resources

• Bennett-Jones Tarriff Preparedness Toolkit is designed to help companies determine their exposure and risk to the complexities of international trade and ensure they are well-equipped to handle any potential disruptions.
• Canadian customs tariff by Canada Border Services Agency gives you access up-to-date tariff information to support cost assessments and streamline importing processes, helping you stay compliant with trade regulations to avoid unexpected fees and delays.
• Canada's engagement with the U.S. by the Government of Canada offers resources and solutions to help you manage the potential effects of the evolving Canada-United States relationship.
• Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs by the Department of Finance offers a comprehensive plan to fight back against the unjustified U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian goods while supporting Canada's interests, industries, and workers.
• Canada Tariff Finder enables Canadian businesses to check import or export tariffs for specific goods and markets, with a focus on countries with which Canada has a Free Trade Agreement.
• Canada-US Trade Tracker launched by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) is a resource for companies.

• Canada-U.S. Trade by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) provides specialized business resources and advocacy.
• Canada/US Trade Relations - Customs Broker Presentation Recording
• CARM Client Support Helpdesk is available to provide support for importers. 
• Customs Notice 25-03: United States Surtax Order (2025)
• Manufacturers Information Hub – Trade and Tariffs by Canadian Manufacturing Exporters (CME) offers updates, resources and advocacy.
• Preparing for tariffs: A checklist for exporters by Export Development Canada (EDC) offers a tariff mitigation checklist for Canadian exporters. 
• Process for requesting remission of tariffs that apply on certain goods from the U.S. - Canada.ca beginning on March 4, 2025, the Government of Canada will consider requests for remission for the tariffs on products from the United States (U.S.).
• Supporting Canadian exporters through United States tariff challenges by Trade Commissioner Services offers support options. 
• Trade and investment agreements offers Canada’s free trade agreements, foreign investment promotion and protection agreements, plurilateral agreements and World Trade Organization agreements.
• Trade Impact Program by Export Development Canada (EDC) will facilitate an additional $5 billion over two years in support for eligible companies across a range of products to help you navigate economic challenges.
• ResilienceHQ | NGen provides practical information to help companies adjust to a new and challenging trade environment. 
• Resources for Canadian businesses facing U.S. tariffs | BDC.ca offers support to Canadian importers and exporters. 
• U.S. export-tariff-checklist by Export Development Canada (EDC) covers strategies to manage risks in supply chains, contracts and trade credit, along with tips on mitigating foreign exchange volatility. 
• U.S. market intelligence hub by Export Development Canada (EDC) offers tariff resources and tools, the latest U.S. economic intelligence, and links to resources from their network of partners.
• Weathering the Storm - A Canadian SME Playbook for Navigating US-Canada Tariffs by the Toronto Region Board of Trade provides clear objectives, key strategies and immediate action items for businesses impacted by the tariffs. 

Buy Canadian

• Find a Canadian supplier: access Canadian product listings, supplier directories, financing options and valuable trade resources to help you strengthen your supply chain and grow your business.
• SupportOntarioMade: this searchable database has over 17,000 products listed by Ontario manufacturers.
• North Finder: find skincare, makeup, haircare, and other
Canadian beauty products.
• Ontario Made: brings together manufacturers, retailers, and consumers to celebrate and promote the many world-class products that are made in Ontario. 
• Shop Canadian Beauty: discover and support Canadian indie beauty brands. 
• WellMade: offers a growing database of Canadian-made brands.