Tariff Resources

City of Cambridge – Business Support

The City of Cambridge Economic Development team is here to help support businesses small and large during these uncertain times. We are committed to working with businesses to provide support, connect you with resources, and advocate for response programs in our community. If you would like to schedule a business consultation or speak to someone, please contact us using the button below. 

Contact Economic Development 

To support these efforts, we have created a survey to collect information and data on how these potential tariffs may affect local businesses. We encourage businesses to complete the survey, as this will help us advocate more effectively for the necessary support measures.

Take the Survey

Latest Tariff News

On March 7th, 2025, in response to the US tariffs on Canadian Goods, the Government of Canada announced a comprehensive support package totaling over $6.5 billion to assist affected businesses and workers. 

Key measures include: 

Trade Impact Program: Export Development Canada will deploy $5 billion over two years to help exporters access new markets and manage challenges such as non-payment risks and currency fluctuations. 

Favourable Loans: The Business Development Bank of Canada will offer $500 million in low-interest loans to businesses in sectors directly targeted by tariffs, along with advisory services in financial management and market diversification. 

Agriculture and Food Industry Support: Farm Credit Canada will provide $1 billion in new financing to reduce financial barriers for the agriculture and food sector, addressing cash flow challenges and ensuring the continued supply of high-quality products. 

Employment Insurance (EI) Work-Sharing Program: Temporary flexibilities will be introduced to increase access and extend the maximum duration of agreements, helping employers retain experienced workers and avoid layoffs. 

Investment Canada Act Guidelines Update: To protect Canadian businesses from harmful foreign takeover during this period, the government has updated guidelines under the Investment Canada Act. 

On March 4th, 2025, the Government of Canada is imposing 25 per cent tariffs on $30 billion in goods imported from the United States (U.S.). The federal government has deemed these countermeasures effective as of 12:01 a.m., March 4, 2025, and will remain in place until the U.S. eliminates its tariffs against Canadian goods.

On February 3, 2025, Canada and the United States agreed to delay the imposition of our respective tariffs on imported goods. Below is a list of news provided by the federal government surrounding the imposed tariffs.

Government of Canada - Tariff Comment Submission Form:

The federal government welcomes views on the proposed tariff measures, including the scope of the measures. Submissions will be accepted until March 25, 2025.

Fill out the Form 

If you wish to provide additional information not included in the form, as well as any additional views or comments you would like to provide on Canada's tariff response, please e-mail consultations@fin.gc.ca, and include "U.S. Tariff Consultations" in the subject line.

The Department of Finance Canada:

The Department of Finance Canada is responsible for the overall stewardship of the Canadian economy. This includes preparing the annual federal budget, as well as advising the Government on economic, fiscal matters, tax and tariff policy.

  1. List of products from the United States subject to 25 per cent tariffs effective March 4, 2025 - Canada.ca
  2. Canada announces robust tariff package in response to unjustified U.S. tariffs, March 4, 2025  - Canada.ca
  3. Government of Canada announces next steps in its response plan to unjustified U.S. tariffs - Canada.ca

We encourage businesses to stay connected with Global Affairs Canada, the Trade Commissioner Service, and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce for guidance on trade disruptions and mitigation strategies.

Upcoming Webinars

Every Thursday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM - Cambridge/KW Chamber of Commerce Ask the Expert: Tariffs and Trade.  Greg Durocher of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and Ian McLean of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber will host a Zoom session featuring experts in trade and politics. These sessions will provide valuable insights to help local businesses navigate the complex landscape of tariffs, trade, and the impact of U.S. policies.

Other Supports and Funding