Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a sweeping set of measures to help Canadian workers and businesses weather U.S. tariffs and shifting global trade rules, calling it the most comprehensive suite of trade resilience supports in the country’s history.
“We cannot control what other nations do. We can control what we give ourselves – what we build for ourselves,” Carney said Friday. “Canada is building the strongest economy in the G7, one that is less reliant on foreign powers and more resilient in the face of global shocks.”
The federal government says the new plan will give industries tools to adapt, diversify and grow while workers receive income support and retraining to shift into new sectors. Among the measures are a $5-billion Strategic Response Fund for firms hit by tariffs, expanded reskilling programs for up to 50,000 workers, and a new Buy Canadian Policy that will direct federal procurement to domestic suppliers.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the government’s approach is aimed at giving both workers and industries the confidence to adapt to fast-changing conditions. “We understand the uncertainty many Canadians are facing due to U.S. tariffs and shifting global trade,” he said. “That’s why our government is taking ambitious, targeted action – investing in the ingenuity of our workers and the resilience of our industries.”
The initiatives also include liquidity relief for small and medium-sized businesses, biofuel incentives to support Canadian farmers and a regional tariff response fund to help sectors such as seafood and agriculture. Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said the government’s goal is to stand behind producers at a difficult time. “Canadian farmers work tirelessly to produce the best products in the world,” he said. “Our government stands with them, and we will continue to push for fair market access, boost our competitiveness, and help producers manage the impacts of a changing global trade environment.”
Carney framed the plan as part of a broader transformation of Canada’s economy, from one built around dependence on the United States to one grounded in a strong domestic market and diversified global partnerships. “In the face of uncertainty around the world, we are ensuring that our workers and businesses will prosper by building Canada’s strength at home,” he said.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly called it “another big step in our mission to build one Canadian economy, strengthen our global competitiveness, and diversify our trade,” while Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu emphasized the focus on workers. “By investing in skills, training, and resources, workers will be ready to adapt to today’s challenges and lead in tomorrow’s economy,” she said.
Government officials said the measures announced Friday build on earlier steps to support steel and softwood lumber industries and will be followed by further initiatives, including a defence industrial strategy, a new trade diversification strategy and a housing build-out plan.
Dominic LeBlanc, minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, said the government’s resolve reflects the gravity of the moment. “Our government understands the uncertainty and concerns many Canadians are feeling as a result of the tariffs imposed by the U.S.,” he said. “That is why we remain committed to continue using every tool at our disposal to support Canadians and Canadian businesses.”
