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Ford begins rolling out tariff relief package with $11B in tax deferrals, WSIB rebate

When asked by QP Briefing whether his government would move forward on the rest of the package before the legislature resumes sitting on April 15, Ford only said that some components which don’t require legislation are already underway.

Published Apr 7, 2025 at 7:24pm

Barbara Patrocinio

Ford begins rolling out tariff relief package with $11B in tax deferrals, WSIB rebate

Ontario Premiere Doug Ford speaks to media at the Storm Command Centre in Orillia, Ont. on Friday April 4, 2025. He arrived to inspect the damages from the ice storm and thank front-line volunteers and workers. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Drost

Premier Doug Ford is starting to make good on one of his marquee election promises, unveiling a $11 billion economic boost package aimed at shielding Ontario businesses from the fallout of new U.S. tariffs.

Ford’s office announced the launch of two pillars of his government’s plan: a six-month deferral of select provincially administered taxes, worth an estimated $9 billion in cash-flow relief, and a $2 billion rebate through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for safe employers.

The measures are part of his government’s response to President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, which Ford called a “gut punch” for Ontario’s economy.

Ford begins rolling out tariff relief package with $11B in tax deferrals, WSIB rebate

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