PM Mark Carney announces measures to support sectors affected by U.S. tariffs – September 5, 2025

Addressing Global Trade Rupture

• ⚠️ The Prime Minister highlighted a "rupture" in global trade, moving from free trade to economic nationalism, with the US applying high tariffs across nearly all goods.
• 🎯 Canada aims to build a more resilient and independent economy, prioritizing Canadian workers and industries amidst geopolitical realignment and technological transformations.
• 📈 The government's overarching mission is to build Canada's economic strength in the face of unprecedented change and uncertainty, including rising unemployment.

Strategic Economic Initiatives

• 💰 A new $5 billion Strategic Response Fund will help Canadian businesses adapt, diversify, and enhance global competitiveness by investing in new products and markets.
• 🛠️ A comprehensive "Buy Canadian" policy will establish a clear obligation for government procurement to support Canadian industries, leveraging federal spending for long-term prosperity.
• 🏡 The government announced plans to launch Build Canada Homes to double the pace of housing construction over the next decade, creating a new industry with Canadian technology and materials.

Worker Support and Sector-Specific Aid

• 🧑‍🔧 A robust reskilling package will train 50,000 workers, including employer-based training, a new jobs matching program, and AI-powered tools for job searches and career counseling.
• ✅ Employment Insurance will be adapted to provide liquidity relief and support laid-off workers, offering up to 65 weeks of benefits for long-tenured workers and waiving the one-week waiting period for many claimants.
• 🌾 Specific measures target the agriculture and seafood industries, including a $370 million bio-fuel production incentive, amendments to clean fuel regulations, and increased loan limits for canola producers.

Automotive Sector and Trade Policy Adjustments

• 🚗 The 2026 electric vehicle availability standard will be removed to provide immediate financial relief to automakers facing increased pressure on competitiveness.
• 🔍 A 60-day review of the EV standard will identify future flexibilities and ways to reduce costs, aiming to bring more affordable electric vehicles to Canadians.
• 🤝 Canada is pursuing sector-specific deals with the United States for heavily impacted industries like autos, steel, and lumber, while also preparing for a broader review of the CUSMA trade agreement.

Broader National Goals

• 🌍 The government is implementing a trade diversification strategy and negotiating a new defense and security partnership with the European Union to reduce reliance on the US.
• 📊 Commitments include reforming the Criminal Code for organized crime and home invasions, and addressing housing affordability to improve the quality of life for Canadians.
• 🎯 The ultimate ambition is to build the strongest economy in the G7, transforming Canada from reliance to resilience and uncertainty to prosperity.