August 26th, 2026

Dear members, 

 The federal government announced a new $7.5 billion package of measures to support Canadian businesses and workers impacted by U.S. tariffs.

 We are providing a quick summary and encourage you to keep in close contact with our team on specific impacts on your business or sector. The government has reached out to the chamber network and is keen to hear our considerations on the various measures they introduced. 

 Please share this information with your business members and share with us their issues and concerns.

 Support for SMEs and liquidity

Beginning in September, the government will add $1.5 billion to the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, delivered through the Regional Development Agencies. The maximum non-repayable contribution will increase from $1 million to $3 million, including up to $2 million to address demonstrated liquidity needs.

 BDC will also introduce a second $500 million liquidity stream through its Pivot to Grow program for businesses experiencing cash-flow pressures as a result of U.S. tariffs. Businesses directly impacted by tariffs will be eligible regardless of sector, with loans ranging from $250,000 to $5 million and interest-only payments available for 36 months. The minimum annual revenue requirement will also be reduced to $1 million.

 Canada Strong Diversification Fund

Effective immediately, the government is establishing a new $2 billion Canada Strong Diversification Fund through the Strategic Response Fund. It will support tariff-impacted businesses with shovel-ready projects, including capital maintenance projects, with expanded eligibility for medium-sized businesses.

 The government has indicated that the fund will work closely with Regional Development Agencies, in our case ACOA, on project intake and will introduce a fast-track, one-step review and approval process.

 Support for workers and employers

The government is also providing $3.5 billion in Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers. This includes extensions to several temporary EI measures, including the waiver of the one-week waiting period and additional EI benefits for long-tenured workers.

For employers, the government will establish a new Workforce Retention and Retraining Program, combining the EI Work-Sharing program and Worker Retention Grant. Employers will also be eligible for up to $1,000 per participant to help cover training and administrative costs.

 Support for large employers

The government is expanding the flexibility of the $10 billion Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility. Available liquidity support will increase from 24 to 36 months of company liquidity needs, and the maximum loan term will increase from 10 to 15 years.

 Please keep the lines of communication open with us. As these programs roll out, and particularly as the remission order process gets underway, we need to understand what is happening on the ground.

 If you are hearing about tariff or counter-tariff impacts on your business, sector, supply chains, investment decisions, employment or liquidity, please flag them with us. Specific examples and emerging issues will be particularly helpful as we continue engaging with the government on where additional support, flexibility or relief may be required.

 We will continue to share information as further program details become available.

 Sincerely, Rhonda Tulk-Lane, President & CEO

Atlantic Chamber of Commerce | PO Box 2291 | Windsor, NS B0N 2T0 CA