Information for Businesses: U.S. Tariffs & Available Supports

Written By High River Chamber of Commerce

With new Canadian counter-tariffs on select U.S. products taking effect September 8, we wanted to share information that may be useful to local businesses that could be affected by changes to their supply chains, costs, staffing or markets.

The resources below have been compiled by the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce and provide information on tariffs and a range of federal and Alberta programs that may be available to affected businesses.

A note from the High River Chamber: Our team is sharing these resources for information purposes only. As a small Chamber with one part-time staff, we are not equipped to provide individual advice on tariffs, determine eligibility for programs or interpret how these measures may apply to your specific business. We encourage businesses with questions about their individual circumstances to contact the appropriate government department or program directly.

Check Your Exposure

Find Available Supports

  • Alberta Tariff Portal and Concierge Service
    Alberta has announced a reporting portal and concierge service where businesses can identify tariff impacts and be connected with available supports. The portal is not yet live.

  • Business Benefits Finder
    A short questionnaire that can help identify federal, provincial and municipal funding, tax credits, wage subsidies and advisory services that may be available to your business.

If You Are Experiencing Cash-Flow Pressure

  • BDC Pivot to Grow
    Financing from $250,000 to $5 million for eligible businesses, with interest-only payments available for up to 36 months. The minimum revenue requirement is $1 million.

  • Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility
    Liquidity support intended for large employers affected by trade disruptions.

If You Are Investing, Pivoting or Diversifying

If You Are Looking at Workforce Options

  • Work-Sharing Program
    Special tariff-related measures have expanded eligibility and extended the benefit period. The program can allow employers to reduce employees' hours while EI provides income support for part of the lost wages.

  • Canada-Alberta Workforce Resilience Initiative
    Supports are available for eligible trade-exposed sectors, including manufacturing and agriculture, with funding related to employee training and workforce planning.

  • Worker Retention and Retraining Program
    A new program intended to consolidate certain work-sharing and worker-retention supports has been announced but is not yet open for applications.

If You Are Paying Tariffs on Inputs You Cannot Source in Canada

  • Tariff Remission
    Businesses may be able to request relief or a refund of certain counter-tariffs where eligible critical inputs are unavailable domestically or other qualifying circumstances apply.

  • Duties Relief Program
    Allows eligible businesses to import goods without paying duties when those goods are subsequently exported.

  • Drawback Program
    Allows eligible businesses to recover certain duties already paid on goods that have subsequently been exported.

Learn More

For complete details, eligibility requirements and application information, please use the official government resources linked above.

The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce has also published a detailed overview of the current measures and available supports: https://medicinehatdistrictchamberofcommerce.growthzoneapp.com/ap/r/1d6d0796c8f94d3487363b9b7ced877c

Counter-Tariffs and Business Support Measures

As the situation continues to develop, program details and eligibility requirements may change. We recommend checking the applicable government or program website for the most current information.

We hope these resources are helpful to businesses in our community navigating the changing trade environment.

High River Chamber of Commerce
Next

What’s the Difference