A joint federal-provincial response to US tariffs
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford presented a set of strategic industry support measures on Wednesday, describing them as a way to help workers and businesses hurt by US tariffs while also pursuing longer-term growth. The prime minister's office put the total value of the action plan at C$8.7 billion, roughly $6.18 billion, with Ontario's steel, automotive and critical mineral sectors as the focus.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5]
The announcement was framed as a shared federal and provincial effort, with both leaders appearing together to launch the plan. Ontario, the center of Canada's manufacturing economy, has been among the provinces most exposed to the tariffs because its auto and steel industries depend heavily on exports to the United States.[S1][S4][S5]
What the money is meant to do
The plan sets up a shared steel action fund, helps carmakers retool production lines for connected and electric vehicle manufacturing, and pairs road building with faster permitting to develop a critical minerals supply chain in northern Ontario. The prime minister's office said Ottawa has so far committed over C$25 billion to Canadian workers and companies hit by US tariffs.[S1]
Understand this article deeper
Carney said the plan would protect jobs from mining through milling to assembly and would invest in a stronger, more resilient and more independent Canadian economy. The package arrives as Ontario's steel and auto sectors continue to feel the pressure of US trade measures.[S1]
