Ontario is expanding eligibility for two tariff-relief programs in a bid to support businesses affected by new U.S. tariffs and import bans set to take effect this week and later this month.
The province announced on Sept. 10 that it is broadening access to the Protect Ontario Financing Program (POFP) and the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF), so that businesses impacted by the latest wave of American tariffs and import bans can apply for relief.
The $1 billion POFP will provide immediate relief to impacted businesses through loans that can be used for costs such as payroll, lease payments, and utilities, according to the province’s news release. The $150 million OTTF will provide grants or loans to small and medium-sized businesses to help them expand interprovincial trade and reshore supply chains away from the United States….