Government of Canada supports small and medium-sized enterprises to navigate CUSMA compliance
News release
Toronto Region Board of Trade to deliver targeted trade programming for small and medium-sized enterprises to be compliant under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement
February 6, 2026 – Toronto, Ontario
As global trade conditions evolve and supply chains face increasing complexity, the Government of Canada is taking action to help Ontario businesses strengthen their trade readiness and competitiveness in key export markets.
Today, Chi Nguyen, Member of Parliament for Spadina−Harbourfront, on behalf of the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced an investment of $500,000 for the Toronto Region Board of Trade and its World Trade Centre Toronto to deliver the CUSMA (Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement) Compliance Series, a targeted program supporting Ontario small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
For many businesses, navigating trade requirements can be complex and time-consuming. Through this project, Ontario SMEs will have access to expert-led workshops and tailored one-on-one coaching to help them navigate the trade rules and compliance processes required under CUSMA. This support will help businesses improve operational certainty and better position themselves to compete and grow in North American markets.
This investment reflects the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to helping businesses adapt to changing trade dynamics, build resilience, and remain competitive in a global economy, while helping to build Canada strong.
Quotes
“Ontario businesses are facing a more complex and uncertain trade environment. This investment will support trade readiness, strengthen supply chains, and support good jobs and economic growth across Ontario.”
– The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“Small and medium-sized businesses are key drivers of Ontario’s economy. This programming provided by the Toronto Region Board of Trade will help them become CUSMA compliant, compete and take advantage of opportunities in North American markets.”
– Chi Nguyen, Member of Parliament for Spadina-Harbourfront
“For Ontario companies maintaining and growing their customer base in the giant U.S. market, CUSMA remains a vital lifeline, exempting them from increased tariffs. However, navigating CUSMA’s rules and requirements can be complex, costly, and time-consuming for smaller businesses. Our thanks to the Government of Canada for this important support, enabling our World Trade Centre Toronto to deliver practical, hands-on programming to more than 700 SMEs to secure compliance and tariff-free access to the U.S. market."
– Giles Gherson, President and CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade
Quick facts
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Founded in 1845, the Toronto Region Board of Trade is one of the largest chambers of commerce in North America, representing more than 11,500 members and supporting business growth, competitiveness, and trade across the Toronto region.
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This initiative complements existing Government of Canada trade and export services, including the Trade Commissioner Service.
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The World Trade Centre Toronto (WTC-T) is the trade services and scale-up arm of the Toronto Region Board of Trade. Its goal is to deliver best-in-class programs to help businesses build plans to accelerate their trade and growth.
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CUSMA helps Canadian small and medium-sized businesses maintain duty-free access to U.S. and Mexican markets, streamline customs procedures, and reduce barriers to trade. Government of Canada resources are available to help businesses understand and meet CUSMA requirements.
Associated links
Contacts
Sofia Ouslis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
sofia.ouslis@ised-isde.gc.ca
Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
media@feddevontario.gc.ca
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