Province announces $11 billion in relief and support measures

Written by Richard Coffin

The province is looking to protect the economy, businesses and workers from the impact of U.S. tariffs.  

Premier Doug Ford has announced $11 billion in relief and support measures to ‘weather the storm’ and keep people on the job.  

“We can’t control President Trump, but we’re in full control of the kind of future we build for ourselves,” says Premier Doug Ford. “The best way to protect Ontario is to build the most competitive economy in the G7, breaking down internal trade barriers and diversifying our trade so we can build a more resilient, prosperous and secure province.” 

The first step includes deferring select provincially administered taxes for six months from April 1 to October 1, 2025.  

Ford says that will give businesses and job creators approximately $9 billion worth of cash flow they need to keep workers employed and weather the economic turmoil. 

A further $2 billion rebate is being issued, through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), for safe employers to support businesses and help keep workers on the job. 

That’s on top of the previous $2 billion rebate distributed in March.  

The province says it will also deliver on its mandate to break down internal trade barriers, make the province’s economy the most competitive in the G7, including by speeding up timelines and approvals for development, as well as diversifying trading partners and helping businesses if they need to retool and retrain workers for new customers in new markets. 

“In the face of economic uncertainty, Ontario stands ready with a plan that will defend the interests of our families and workers, protect our economy and jobs, and build a strong, stable future for generations to come.” says Vic Fedeli, Nipissing MPP and Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. 

Fedeli, meantime, is back in Washington, D.C..

He took to social media to say they have meetings with top U.S. trade officials, Members of Congress, business association executives, and stakeholders.

“We will always show up here to fight for every family in Ontario,” he says in a brief video clip.

Fedeli, who ventured south of the border with Premier Ford during the election, also took part in a trade mission to Germany last week.