Yesterday, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance joined Chris Forbes, Deputy Minister of Finance, to host a briefing with more than 400 Canadian industry and labour stakeholders, as well as provincial and territorial representatives, on Canada-U.S. economic issues. Arun Alexander, Canada's Deputy Ambassador to the United States of America, also joined the call.
The discussion focused on the recent tariff actions by the U.S., including tariffs imposed on Canada under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and additional U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum, Canada's tariff response to date, as well as the government's preparations in advance of additional potential U.S. tariffs being imposed on April 2.
During the session, the Minister of Finance provided an overview of the work he and other officials continue to do in response to the unjustified U.S. tariffs, including his recent missions to Washington to meet with U.S. government officials, ongoing engagement with G7 partners, and ensuring the government remains ready to support Canadian workers and businesses as needed during this challenging time.
Officials recognized the uncertainty many Canadian businesses are now facing- and outlined the tariff support measures that have already been introduced. This includes increased liquidity support through financial Crown corporations, a remission program to provide relief from duties in exceptional circumstances, and introducing temporary special measures to the EI Work-Sharing Program. The government will continue to work with provincial and territorial governments to take a unified Team Canada approach to support impacted workers and businesses. Additional measures will be brought forward to support businesses and workers as needed.
