Ontario Unveils $11 Billion Support Plan to Shield Workers and Businesses from U.S. Tariff Fallout

TORONTO — With growing economic uncertainty fuelled by newly imposed U.S. tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a sweeping $11 billion relief package aimed at protecting the province’s workers and businesses.

Speaking from Queen’s Park on April 7, Premier Ford directly addressed the challenges facing the province’s economy, stating: “In the face of President Trump’s attacks on Ontario’s economy, our government will do whatever it takes to protect Ontario workers and businesses.”

The package includes two major initiatives:

• $9 billion in tax deferrals for about 80,000 businesses through a six-month deferral of select provincially administered taxes, including the Employer Health Tax, Gasoline Tax, and the Retail Sales Tax on Insurance Contracts. This deferral runs from April 1 to October 1, 2025.

• An additional $2 billion WSIB rebate to reward safe employers and ease the financial burden of economic disruption. This builds on a $2 billion rebate previously distributed in March.

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said the new measures are designed to help businesses stay resilient and keep Ontarians employed: “Today’s measures help Ontario to weather the storm while continuing to build on our plan for ongoing prosperity.”

Labour Minister David Piccini emphasized the province’s record of support for employers, noting that the WSIB has provided “historic, 50-year-low premiums to over 320,000 employers” and is now distributing another surplus rebate to keep workers on the job.

The government also reaffirmed its commitment to long-term economic growth by vowing to:

• Accelerate development approvals,

• Eliminate internal trade barriers within Canada, and

• Support businesses in retooling and retraining for access to new global markets.

Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli described the plan as a proactive stance to “defend the interests of our families and workers, protect our economy and jobs, and build a strong, stable future for generations to come.”

The government’s business relief strategy comes amid increasing economic pressure from the United States following recent tariff announcements by President Trump, which have directly impacted Ontario’s manufacturing and export sectors.

WSIB President and CEO Jeffery Lang highlighted the importance of timely financial assistance: “In these uncertain times, Ontario businesses need certain relief. By achieving better results and strong financial management we are able to return this surplus right when businesses need it the most.”

With the October 1 repayment deadline set, the Ford government is positioning itself as ready to respond to whatever comes next. “We can’t control President Trump,” Ford said, “but we’re in full control of the kind of future we build for ourselves.”

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