Last updated: September 10, 2026
With 50 per cent U.S. tariffs now in effect and Canada retaliating dollar-for-dollar, our business community faces another period of increased costs, disrupted supply chains, and uncertainty.
We’ve gathered the latest supports available to affected businesses, outlined how The Chamber is advocating on your behalf, and compiled the actions you can take today to reinforce your business and support Team Canada.
As new information becomes available, we’ll update this page with trade developments and practical information for Winnipeg businesses – stay tuned.
Supports Available to Affected Businesses
BDC is adding a $500 million financing stream for businesses experiencing tariff-related cash-flow challenges. Loans range from $250,000 to $5 million, with interest-only payments for the first 36 months. Eligibility begins at $1 million in annual revenue, and targeted support remains available for the steel, aluminum, and forestry sectors.
Canada Strong Diversification Fund
This new $2 billion stream of the Strategic Response Fund supports ready-to-proceed capital projects for tariff-affected businesses, including medium-sized firms. Applications will be coordinated with regional development agencies through a simplified approval process.
Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL) Facility
The existing $10 billion facility now provides eligible large employers with liquidity support covering up to 36 months of need and loan terms of up to 15 years. The program may also be relevant to businesses that supply larger employers.
Manitoba Government Announces Over $100 Million in Tariff Supports
The Manitoba government announced more than $100 million in targeted support measures to help businesses manage cash flow pressures, retain workers, explore new export opportunities and diversify markets.
Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers ($3.5 billion, new)
- For workers: Temporary Employment Insurance measures include an extended waiver of the waiting period, access to benefits before severance or vacation pay is exhausted, and additional weeks of support for eligible long-tenured workers. Job Bank services will also help connect workers with available roles.
- For employers: A new Workforce Retention and Retraining program will combine existing work-sharing and worker-retention supports into one streamlined program. Employers may also access up to $1,000 per participant for eligible training and administrative costs.
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — delivered locally by PrairiesCan
Beginning in September 2026, RTRI will receive an additional $1.5 billion. The non-repayable contribution limit will increase from $1 million to $3 million. Eligible support may include liquidity needs, business pivots, and capital investment plans, with up to $2 million available for liquidity support.
- Looking for more information on RTRI? PrairiesCan is hosting two upcoming information webinars:
- September 14 (Registration Link)
- September 15 (Registration Link)
Our Advocacy for Winnipeg Businesses
We’re working with all levels of government to protect your interests, strengthen Canada’s trade position, and help businesses navigate what’s next. Our efforts include:
- Pushing for a unified “Team Canada” approach as Chair of the Canadian Global Cities Council, with our message reaching international audiences through coverage in The Canadian Press, The Globe and Mail, BNN Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance and more. Read our statement here.
- Joining the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and the Business Council of Manitoba in a joint statement calling for a unified response to the current trade crisis. Read our statement here.
- Providing federal leaders with direct input from business leaders on how best to support small and medium-sized enterprises with export readiness. Read our suggestions here.
- Bringing forward the interprovincial trade barriers affecting our members to Premier Kinew and the Manitoba government, through the representation of President & CEO Loren Remillard, who serves on the Trade Diversification Subcommittee of the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council.
- Raising trade relations directly with Premier Kinew and the Manitoba government, with representation from The Chamber President & CEO Loren Remillard on the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council.
- Advocating for what mattered most to our members during the 2026 Joint Review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), informed by direct feedback from our Advocacy Leadership Council. Read our full submission here.
- Advocating provincially for direct support to business, including the removal of remaining interprovincial trade barriers, a change estimated to generate roughly $1,800 per person nationally, on par with the economic hit from the 25 per cent U.S. tariffs.
- Continuing to press the provincial government on trade office capacity, supporting the re-establishment of Manitoba’s trade office in Washington, D.C.
- Gathering member concerns and preparing recommendations to all levels of government starting in January 2025, as soon as tariffs were first threatened. Read our report here.
- Naming Trade and Tariff Impacts a standing 2025–2026 advocacy priority, set through our Annual Membership Survey, so it stays on the agenda in every meeting with the City, the Province, and Ottawa. See our Policy & Advocacy priorities.
Upcoming Events on Trade and Tariff Support
- September 22, 2026: Export Planning 101, a partner event with World Trade Centre Winnipeg on building your export roadmap. Get your ticket.
Tell us How Tariffs are Affecting Your Business
If tariffs have affected your costs, supply chain, pricing, workforce plans or customer relationships, we want to hear from you.
Your experience helps us show decision-makers what Winnipeg businesses are facing and advocate for the supports you need.
Take our 2-minute survey today.
Have something else you’d like to share? Contact Gwen Black, our Policy & Government Relations Manager, at [email protected]
Support Local with The Chamber’s Member Directory
Before looking elsewhere for your next vendor, supplier, or business partner, explore The Chamber’s Member Directory. With around 2,000 organizations across Winnipeg’s business community, there are plenty of opportunities to connect right here at home.
P.S. If you haven’t updated your own directory profile in a while, now is the perfect time.
