March 6, 2025 - The United States has paused tariffs relating to Canadian goods covered by the North American free trade agreement known as USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement) until April 2, 2025.

Economic Development and its partners are closely monitoring the evolving U.S.-Canada tariff situation. Resources and information will be updated and shared on this dedicated page as they become available. If you have any questions, please contact the Economic Development team.

Town of East Gwillimbury Business Support

The Town of East Gwillimbury’s Economic Development team can support your business in navigating the available supports and connections for your business or organization. 

Meeting with Economic Development

York Link Trade Support and Business Resources

York Link (York Region's Economic Development) is maintaining an updated list of resources to support local businesses in navigating the impact of U.S. tariffs. Available information includes:

Visit the York Link Trade Website

Supporting Agencies

Note: Rotate your device to horizontal/landscape to view the full table.

OrganizationSupport
Town of East Gwillimbury | Economic Development Navigate the available supports
Central York Chamber of Commerce East Gwillimbury business advocacy
Ontario Chamber of Commerce Provincial business advocacy 
Ontario Made

Product promotion for manufacturers

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Manufacturing advocacy and training
Canadian Chamber of Commerce Federal business advocacy
Export Development Canada Trade knowledge, financial solutions, insurance, equity and connections
Trade Commissioner Services Connections to funding and international opportunities
Business Development Bank of Canada  Financing for small and medium sized businesses 
Farm Credit Canada Support for agriculture and agri-food sectors 
Canada Small Business Financing Program Simpler small business loans
Employment and Social Development Canada   Work sharing program to avoid layoffs

Select Events  

Note: Membership and Registration Requirements Vary

National Policy Webinar - U.S. Trade & Tariffs | March 5, 2025

Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 

Time: 2 to 3 p.m. EST 

Host: Canadian, Manufacturers, and Exporters

Cost: Free, registration is exclusive to CME members only

Description: CME continues to take action to protect Canadian manufacturers as U.S. trade policies shift under the new administration.

CME will be hosting a member call on trade and tariffs on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 2 to 3 p.m. EST. 

On the call we’ll provide an update on CME’s advocacy, share the latest insights on how the federal government is managing the tariff threat and hear directly from you on the impact a tariff will have on your business. 

Registration

Trump, Tariffs, and Trade | March 6, 2025

Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025 

Time: 11 a.m. EST 

Cost: $25

Description: While some analysts believe Trump may not follow through, the potential impacts are too significant to ignore.

These tariffs could disrupt tightly integrated supply chains, drive up costs for consumers, and risk a recession in Canada.

Our panel of experts are here to help navigate these uncertain waters.

Join us for this vital webinar to gain insights into navigating these challenges and preparing for a new global trade reality.

Registration

Tariff-Proofing Your Pricing and Profitability | March 6, 2025

Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025 

Time: 12 to 1:30 p.m. EST 

Host: Toronto Region Board of Trade

Cost: Free

Description: Are U.S. Tariff changes putting your profit margins at risk? New and shifting U.S. tariff policies are creating uncertainty for Canadian SMEs, squeezing profit margins and disrupting supply chains. Businesses that don’t adapt their pricing strategies fast enough risk losing their competitive edge—or worse, profitability. 

A proactive pricing strategy is essential to safeguard your bottom line. This free webinar will equip you with the insights and tools to stay ahead of tariff fluctuations, recalibrate costs, and protect your market share. 

Registration

Funding, Grants, and Tax Strategies for International Growth | March 18, 2025

Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST 

Host: Toronto Region Board of Trade

Cost: Free

Description: This session will equip women entrepreneurs, business owners, managers, directors, and leaders of Ontario-based companies with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to adopt effective capital funding strategies and optimize cash flow management.

Led by industry experts and thought leaders in international trade and finance, this session will cover a wide range of topics including:

  • Types of capital funding: equity, debt, venture capital, angel investment
  • Assessing financial risks and opportunities in global markets
  • Identifying relevant SME grants & tax incentives for international expansion
  • International tax policies & considerations
  • Developing an elevator pitch for investors and grant panels

Registration

Impact of US Tariffs on Ontario’s Food & Beverage Industry | March 19, 2025

Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Time: 8:30 to 10 a.m. EST 

Host: Food and Beverage Ontario

Cost: Free

Description: Join Food and Beverage Ontario (FBO) for an in-depth discussion on the potential impact of US tariffs on Ontario’s food and beverage sector. With global trade tensions rising and economic uncertainty looming, industry leaders must stay informed and prepared for potential disruptions.

This webinar will provide key insights from economic and industry experts to help businesses understand the evolving trade landscape, assess risks, and explore strategies for navigating potential challenges.

Registration

Diversify and Grow: Indo-Pacific Insights for Canadian Startups | March 20, 2025

Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025 

Time: 9 a.m. EST 

Host: Export Development Canada

Cost: Free

Description: With the spectre of new U.S. tariffs on the horizon, trade diversification is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a strategic imperative for Canadian startups. The Indo-Pacific region offers enormous potential for growth, but its vast diversity of markets, cultural nuances, and regulatory landscapes demand a specialized approach.

Join us on March 20, for an exclusive “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) session featuring two Chief Representatives from distinct Indo-Pacific markets—Dubai and the Philippines—alongside Roberto Bagnato, EDC’s Marketing Lead for the Indo-Pacific strategy. They’ll share firsthand insights into the most promising opportunities, effective entry and expansion strategies, and how to navigate cultural and operational differences in this dynamic region.

Registration

Tariffs & Trade in Focus: Understanding the Economic Landscape | March 20, 2025

Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025 

Time: 1 p.m. EST 

Host: BDO Canada

Cost: Free

Description: Register now for a timely webinar on the latest economic trends, tariffs, and trade updates that will shape the future of Canadian businesses.

Join us as we engage in real talk on what’s top-of-mind for business leaders including:

  • The impact of the outcome of the liberal leadership race
  • Evolving tariff threats—updates including impact on aluminum and steel as well as interprovincial barriers
  • The challenges—but also key growth opportunities—on the horizon

This is an essential session for companies looking to stay ahead.

Registration

This webpage will be updated as new information becomes available. Please reach out to ecdev@eastgwillimbury.ca for support. Sign up for our newsletter to receive tariff-related and general biweekly updates to your inbox.