Ontario expands eligibility for the Protect Ontario Financing Program (POFP) as new U.S. tariffs and import bans begin affecting Canadian exports. The province says the additional support targets businesses caught in the Canada–U.S. trade dispute, with the changes rolling out this month.
The measures come as the latest U.S. actions include duties and import restrictions aimed at several categories Ontario exports, including steel, dairy, alcohol and furniture, according to reports. Ontario’s announcement focuses on broadening who can access the POFP, rather than changing the underlying purpose of the program.
Across outlets, the POFP is described as a loan-based support program intended to help eligible businesses maintain operations. The Globe and Mail specifies that loans can be used for payroll, lease and utility payments, helping firms manage near-term costs during disruptions tied to tariffs and bans. Other coverage emphasizes the provincial decision to widen eligibility in response to the new U.S. measures, with details of affected sectors and timing aligning across sources.
