Ottawa unveils supports for workers, businesses in response to Trump tariffs

The federal government announced a package of support programs on Friday aimed at Canadian businesses and workers in response to the wave of tariffs that U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed and threatened.The package includes the launch of the Trade Impact Program, worth $5-billion over two years, to help exporters reach new markets; $500-million in lower-cost loans through the Business Development Bank of Canada; and $1-billion in new financing through Farm Credit Canada to help the agricultural sector address cash-flow challenges. It also includes updates to the Investment Canada Act aimed at refusing foreign investments deemed harmful to Canada’s economic security.For workers, the government announced temporary changes to the Employment Insurance Work-Sharing Program to increase access and maximum duration.