Department of Finance meets with stakeholders on Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs

August 26, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department of Finance Canada

Yesterday, Nick Leswick, Deputy Minister of the Department of Finance Canada, joined by senior officials from the department, hosted a briefing with Canadian industry and labour stakeholders on Canada-United States (U.S.) economic issues.  

During the session, participants discussed the suspension in trade negotiations with the U.S. and the government’s response to newly imposed and unjustified U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. Government officials highlighted the range of existing economic support measures available to assist businesses and workers affected by U.S. tariffs, along with the $7.5 billion package of new and enhanced measures introduced earlier in the day. They also provided a detailed overview and answered questions regarding Canada’s dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs against imports from the U.S. 

Government officials acknowledged the challenges and uncertainty that many Canadian businesses are experiencing due to actions taken by the U.S. They also emphasized that the government will continue to closely assess the effects on industries and the broader economy, and respond as required to support Canadian businesses and workers. 

Related Links

• Canada announces targeted countermeasures and substantive support for workers and businesses in response to U.S. tariffs