Supporting Local Toolkit

A Toolkit for Promoting Canadian Made Products and Resource List of Tariff Related Business Supports.

Tariff Programs and Resources

Webinars

Supporting Canadian Manufacturers Amidst Tariff Pressures | May 14, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

 In the wake of the federal election – for the next event in our series on trade and tariffs, EMC will be joined by Export Development Canada (EDC) and Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) for a timely discussion on the resources and supports available to help deal with tariff implications for Canada’s manufacturing sector. Register here.

Funding and Support Programs

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Tariff Support Program Info

Any farmers or businesses that are existing FCC customers may find value in the programs announced recently by the federal government. 

CanExport Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) from the Canadian Trade Commissioners Office

Eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can get up to $50,000 to cover 50% of the costs of exporting products or services to countries where they have little or no sales. CanExport funding can help your company expand beyond Canada, unlocking global markets and opportunities to grow your business worldwide.  Click here to learn more: Funding that helps your company grow into global markets

Export Development Canada (EDC)'s Trade Impact Program

EDC is allocating $5 billion across a number of export related programs.  We recommend any businesses who are exporting visit this page EDC Trade Impact Program Page and take their quick assessment to determine which program(s) would benefit them.

Potential Tariff Relief for Importers

Are you importing goods from the U.S.?  You may qualify for tariff remission.  Visit this link to determine if you’re eligible and the process to take to apply.   Process for requesting remission of tariffs that apply on certain goods from the U.S. – Canada.ca

EI Workshare Program

The federal government’s EI Work-Sharing Program. has expanded eligibility to allow businesses impacted by tariffs to minimize layoffs and job losses.

Information Resources

The Latest Tariff Information for Businesses

Links to a source of all tariff information for both importers and exporters. https://www.tariffinder.ca/en/

Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Trade and Tariffs Resources

Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) resource for trade and tariff information.

EDC Helpful Links and Resources for Navigating Tariffs and Customs Regulations

Download this document for a handy link to:

  • Timely, relevant questions answered by EDC economists, through Export Help Hub (EHH),
  • Tariff and customs regulation resources for general assessment and specific international markets,
  • A comprehensive list of export agencies and programs ready to support you,
  • Seven data-driven, insightful EDC economic reports and tools,
  • Risk-mitigation products and services from EDC, and
  • Previous EDC webinars ready to watch on-demand.

Product Labeling

Shop in Huron

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Identify your business as a local business with the “Shop In Huron” badge.

Ontario Made

What it is: A program developed by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) to promote Ontario-made products.

Cost: Free for eligible Ontario businesses.

Link: https://supportontariomade.ca/

Why it’s useful: Helps Ontario businesses showcase their locally made products to consumers and retailers.

How to join: Businesses can apply online to be listed and use the Ontario Made logo.

How to use the label: Approved businesses receive access to the Ontario Made logo and branding guidelines. It can be used on packaging, websites, and marketing materials to highlight Ontario-made products.

Features & Benefits: Branding, increased visibility, promotional support, and access to the Ontario Made consumer marketplace.

Foodland Ontario

What it is: A government-led program that promotes Ontario-grown food.

Cost: Free for Ontario farmers and food producers.

Link: https://www.ontario.ca/foodland

Why it’s useful: Increases consumer awareness of locally grown produce and agricultural products.

How to join: Eligible businesses can apply to use the Foodland Ontario logo on their products.

How to use the label: Approved businesses receive branding materials and usage guidelines to include the Foodland Ontario logo on their packaging and marketing.

Features & Benefits: Branding support, marketing materials, and increased consumer trust in Ontario-grown food.

Product of Canada and Made in Canada

The use of “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada” claims is voluntary. However, once a company chooses to make one of these claims, the product to which it is applied should meet these guidelines.

Product of Canada

Under the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, a “Product of Canada” label means at least 98 percent of the total direct costs of producing the item were incurred in Canada.

Made in Canada

“Made in Canada,” meanwhile, means it was more than half of the total direct costs — at least 51 percent but less than 98 percent.

The Competition Bureau encourages qualifying statements for that label, such as “Made in Canada with imported parts,” or “Made in Canada with 60 percent Canadian content and 40 percent imported content.”

Guidelines for “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada” claims

Product of Canada Certification (Canadian Food Inspection Agency - CFIA)

What it is: A certification for food products that meet Canadian content requirements.

Cost: No direct cost, but businesses must meet strict criteria.

Link: https://inspection.canada.ca

Why it’s useful: Certifies food products as genuinely Canadian, building consumer trust.

How to join: Apply through CFIA and provide proof of compliance.

How to use the label: Approved products can display the official “Product of Canada” or “Made in Canada” labels, following CFIA guidelines.

Features & Benefits: Official certification for labeling, consumer recognition, and credibility.

Self Promotion: Social Media

The first and perhaps easiest thing to do is to let consumers know your product is Canadian on your website and social media channels.

Sample Social Media Post:

At [Your Company Name], we take pride in crafting high-quality products right here at home. When you buy from us, you’re not just getting top-notch craftsmanship—you’re also supporting local jobs, ethical production, and the Canadian economy.

Thank you for choosing Canadian-made! 🍁

#MadeInCanada #ShopLocal #MadeInHuronCounty #ProudlyCanadian

*Don’t forget to tag @huroncountyecdev and @ontarioswestcoast

Examples of these types of posts from Huron County businesses:

Product Directories

Made in CA

What it is: An independent platform promoting Canadian businesses and manufacturers.

Cost: Free listing with optional paid promotions.

Link: https://madeinca.ca/

Why it’s useful: A growing online directory dedicated to promoting Canadian-owned businesses and manufacturers.

How to join: Businesses can submit an application online.

How to use the label: Businesses approved for listing can use the Made in CA logo on their website and promotional materials to signify their Canadian-made status.

Features & Benefits: Increased exposure, Canadian-made branding, and consumer trust.

Made in Canada Directory

What it is: An online directory that lists businesses producing goods in Canada.

Cost: Free listing with optional premium upgrades.

Link: https://madeincanadadirectory.ca

Why it’s useful: Consumers looking to support local businesses can easily find and purchase from Canadian brands.

How to join: Visit the website and submit an application for review.

How to use the label: Approved businesses may be eligible to display a Made in Canada Directory badge on their website and products.

Features & Benefits: Increased visibility, credibility, and access to a community of Canadian consumers.

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) - Made in Canada Initiative

What it is: A national initiative that supports and promotes Canadian manufacturers.

Cost: Membership-based (varies by business size and services required).

Link: https://cme-mec.ca

Why it’s useful: Provides networking opportunities, advocacy, and training for Canadian manufacturers.

How to join: Businesses can apply for membership through the CME website.

How to use the label: Members can display the CME Made in Canada logo to demonstrate their commitment to Canadian manufacturing.

Features & Benefits: Advocacy support, training resources, and branding as a Made in Canada business.

Need help along the way? Contact the Huron Business Centre for complimentary 1:1 advisory support. We offer tools and support for your business to thrive!