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Toronto, ON – September 26, 2026

Canadian businesses are facing a rapidly changing trade environment — and waiting for Canada and the United States to settle their differences may no longer be a business strategy.

The latest developments suggest that U.S. tariffs, Canadian counter-tariffs and uncertainty surrounding CUSMA could continue for some time. At the same time, significant new government funding and international opportunities are becoming available.

For Canadian businesses, this creates both risk and opportunity.

What Has Changed?

Canada–U.S. negotiations remain stalled. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer recently said Washington sees “no urgency” to reach a new agreement with Canada.

The United States has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on billions of dollars of Canadian products, while Canada has responded with counter-tariffs on U.S. goods.

Additional U.S. trade restrictions are taking effect, and further tariffs affecting Canadian automobiles, auto parts, steel and other sectors have been threatened.

While CUSMA continues to protect many qualifying Canadian exports, businesses are increasingly concerned about what comes next.

The Business Council of Canada has warned that prolonged uncertainty could create a “capital chill”, causing businesses to postpone investments and expansion.

Canada Is Looking Beyond The United States

Canada is simultaneously accelerating efforts to diversify its trading relationships.

One of the most significant developments is the proposal for a much deeper Canada–European Union relationship.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed moving beyond the existing CETA trade agreement toward a broader Canada–EU partnership involving trade, investment, defence, critical minerals, energy, technology, AI and economic security.

Canada and the EU are expected to continue these discussions at meetings in Montreal at the end of October.

Canada is also pursuing expanded trade relationships with India and other major international markets.

The Political Pressure Is Growing

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is responding with counter-tariffs, business assistance, Buy Canadian policies, major infrastructure initiatives and international trade diversification.

Canada’s opposition parties also support defending Canadian industries, although they differ significantly on tariffs, taxation, government spending and the appropriate response to Washington.

The issue is increasingly political in the United States as well.

With the U.S. midterm elections approaching, American politicians are hearing concerns about tariffs, higher costs, reduced Canadian tourism and disruptions to highly integrated cross-border businesses.

That pressure could grow as CUSMA negotiations continue.

New Money Is Available For Canadian Businesses

Governments are introducing billions of dollars in programs to help companies respond.

Recent federal measures include:

• $1.5 billion in additional Regional Tariff Response Initiative funding;

• a $500 million BDC liquidity program for tariff-affected businesses;

• a $2 billion Canada Strong Diversification Fund;

• $3.5 billion in worker and employer supports; and

• additional funding for productivity, skilled trades, apprenticeships and affected industries.

Businesses may also be able to access provincial programs, financing opportunities, tax incentives, and sector-specific initiatives.

How GTA Strategies Can Help

Government programs are constantly changing, and many businesses simply don’t have the time to determine which grants, loans, tax incentives, or tariff-relief programs may apply.

Let GTA Strategies do the initial research for you — at no cost.

Tell us about your business, the challenges you are facing and your plans for expansion, equipment, hiring or new markets. Our team will conduct an initial review to identify relevant government programs and opportunities.

There is no charge for this initial research.

If we identify opportunities and you decide to contract GTA Strategies to pursue them, we can assist with applications, government relations, advocacy, and business-development work.

If you don’t retain us, you don’t owe us anything for the initial research.

You have nothing to lose by talking to us — and there may be government funding or business opportunities you don’t know are available.

Call GTA Strategies. Let us review your business and see how we can help.