Ontario Chamber welcomes tariff support, calls for a competitive Canada and targeted countermeasures

(TORONTO – August 25, 2026) – Today, Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement on the federal government’s new measures to support businesses and workers affected by U.S. trade actions: 

“Ontario businesses are under extraordinary pressure, and today’s federal relief announcement recognizes the real impacts that illegal U.S. tariffs are having on businesses, workers, and communities across Canada. 

“Expanded support through regional development agencies, new BDC financing, enhanced workforce retention measures, and additional assistance for both large employers and SMEs will provide welcome relief during a period of continued disruption. 

“What matters now is execution. These programs need to be accessible, responsive, and delivered quickly so businesses can focus on protecting jobs, serving customers, and planning for the future. 

“Businesses recognize the need for a strategic response to U.S. trade actions, but any countermeasures must be carefully calibrated and developed in consultation with industry. Canada cannot afford measures that do long-term harm to our own companies, workers, or supply chains. 

“Beyond immediate measures, Canada must use this moment to fix the fundamentals: pursue pro-growth tax reform, reduce red tape, continue modernizing Employment Insurance, remove internal trade barriers, and strengthen the conditions for investment, productivity, and growth. 

“That is how we build long-term prosperity: by creating an economy where businesses can invest, innovate, and compete with confidence.” 

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce 

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC convenes, mobilizes, and empowers business and local chambers in pursuit of its purpose: to bring inclusive and sustainable prosperity to Ontario’s businesses, workers, and communities. 

Andrea Carmona 
Director of Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: 647 234 0255