April 2, 2025 – update from PacifiCan
As an immediate measure, the Government recently announced $6.5 billion in liquidity, advisory and other supports for Canadian workers and businesses including:
- $500 million in new financing and advisory services through the Business Development Bank of Canada Pivot to grow loan
- $1 billion in new financing through Farm Credit Canada’s Trade Disruption Customer Support program for the agriculture and food industry
- $5 billion in additional funding over two years to support eligible Canadian exporters under Export Development Canada’s Trade Impact Program
Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) maintains 160 offices worldwide to support increasing exports across many markets. We encourage you to speak with your local trade commissioner to understand supports available to you. The TCS has also launched a new intake of the CanExport SME program. Businesses with fewer than 500 employees and between $100,000 and $10 million in annual revenue are eligible to apply for up to $50,000 per project.
Export Navigator and the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), both supported by PacifiCan, are also excellent resources for businesses looking to start exporting, diversify and expand into new markets. They help B.C. businesses grow by guiding them through the export process. Find an Advisor or explore TAP today to get started.
PacifiCan is currently accepting expressions of interest for our Business Scale-up and Productivity program, which supports high-growth companies in B.C. to scale-up operations, commercialize technology, improve productivity and/or diversify markets.
With growing trade and tariff challenges, it is more important than ever to work together to support the businesses and communities in our province and country. Earlier this week, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, who is also the Minister responsible for PacifiCan, called on industries to prioritize the use of Canadian goods and services wherever relevant and possible. I encourage you to read Minister Anand’s letter.
For the latest information on the Government’s plan to fight back against the U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian goods, visit this website: Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs – Canada.ca.
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
Tackling Tariffs – Strengthening Global Connections through Tourism: DBC Tackling Tariffs
Premier announces immediate response, vows to defend B.C. against Trump tariffs: BC Gov News Release
STAY INFORMED
Government of Canada:
Tariffs, Rules and Regulations: Detailed information on tariff classification and legalities of international trade
International Trade and Investment: Find trade or investment agreements and information on exporting and importing in Canada
Global Affairs Canada: Canada’s competitiveness for foreign direct investment key facts
Bank Of Canada:
Evaluating the Impacts of US tariffs: Explores scenarios and impacts of tariffs
Tariffs, Structural Change and Monetary Policy: How trade conflict affects the Canadian economy and monetary policy
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation:
Everything You Want to Know about the Canada-U.S. Tariffs: An easy-to-understand guide on what tariffs are and how the increase will change trade
Canadian Chamber of Commerce:
Canada/U.S. Trade Tracker: Data on the trade relationship between Canada and the U.S.
Tariff Exposure for Canadian Cities: An index showcasing compared vulnerability
PCB Global Trade:
US/CA Tariff Hotline: Up-to-date trade actions and a US/CA tariff hotline
KPMG:
Navigating Tariffs: Develop a proactive trade strategy to mitigate risks in the face of trade disruption
GET INVOLVED
2025 U.S. Tariff Survey for B.C. Businesses: The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade wants to hear how these tariffs will impact your business
Managing Supply Chain Risks in 2025: Explore how to strengthen supply chains, control rising costs and stay on track during uncertain times on Thursday, March 20
Domestic Trade & Interprovincial Expansion: Overcoming regulatory barriers, optimizing logistics, and accessing funding programs for Canadian market expansion virtually on Thursday, March 27
LOCAL BUSINESSES
Places to start supporting local:
Sicamous Indoor Farmers Market
Tourism & Hospitality:
ExploreSicamous Tourism: Browse local experiences and events
Where to Eat in Sicamous: Dining options in Sicamous
Where to Stay in Sicamous: Accommodation & Camping in Sicamous
Hello BC: Plan a trip in your own backyard with local travel ideas
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association: Supports business and community tourism interests throughout the Thompson Okanagan region
Shopping:
Buy BC: Support local growers and producers here at home
Made in CA: Lists of products and services made in Canada
Made in Canada: How to read food product labels at the store
Where to Shop in Sicamous *Coming Soon*
