minimum duration of six consecutive weeks and have the potential to be extended to a maximum of 76 weeks. Eligible employers must have been operating in Canada for at least one year, and have a minimum of two EI eligible employees who agree to the Work-Sharing program. The expanded eligibility under the special measures applies to businesses (including unionized workplaces), non-profits and charities experiencing a reduction in revenue related to the tariffs. It also includes seasonal employers, as well as employees who are not year-round, permanent, full- or part- time. This program allows businesses to maintain their workforce and ensures employees continue to work and develop their skills while supplementing reduced wages with EI benefits. For more information about this program, visit: canada.ca/en/employment-social- development/services/work-sharing.html. Tariff remissions: The federal government has also outlined a framework for considering remission requests, if or when the government decides to impose tariffs on products entering Canada from the U.S. Under specific circumstances, remission allows for relief from tariff costs. This addresses situations where goods used as inputs can’t be sourced domestically, or from a non-U.S. source. It may also address exceptional circumstances that would have detrimental effects on the Canadian economy. Any request for remission will be assessed by the Department of Finance, in consultation with relevant federal departments. Only companies registered in Canada are eligible to make requests for remission. Inquiries or remission requests should be sent to: remissions-remises@ fin.gc.ca, including “U.S. Remission” in the subject line. The required template for submissions can be found on the department’s website: canada.ca/en/department-finance/ programs/international-trade-finance- policy/process-requesting-remission- tariffs-that-apply-on-certain-goods-us. html. Advance Payments Program (APP): In response to the threat of U.S. tariffs in March, Minister Lawrence MacAulay,
Loans: Recognizing the financial strain that tariffs can impose, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is offering $500 million through six-year working capital loans, ranging from $100,000 to $2 million to commercially viable businesses. The loans will also be priced favourably, at BDC’s base interest rate minus two per cent. The flexibility to postpone principal payments for up to 12 months may also be available. Business risk assessment: In addition to financial assistance, BDC provides advisory services in areas like risk assessment, financial management and HR management to improve long-term stability. This includes AgriStability and AgriInvest programs. Consultants can audit a business’s current state to identify trade vulnerabilities, and coach owners on strategies to build resilience. Even if outside forces — like trade wars or other future unprecedented challenges — turn the economy upside down, business owners can feel in control of their own destiny by being well prepared. Line of credit: Another support program for growers is available through Farm Credit Canada (FCC). The Trade Disruption Customer Support program will provide relief for viable customers and non- customers in the agriculture (including horticulture) and food sectors who meet the necessary lending criteria. This includes access to an additional credit line up to $500,000 and new term loans. Current FCC customers have the option to defer principal payments for up to 12 months on existing loans.
“We know that agriculture and food producers across Canada are bracing for uncertainty,” said Justine Hendricks, FCC president and CEO. “FCC is ready to provide meaningful and immediate support to keep the industry moving forward at this critical time.” Hendricks added FCC will rapidly deliver solutions for the industry with a focus on addressing cash flow challenges so that businesses can adjust to a new operating environment. FCC customers and non-customers should contact their local FCC office or call 1-800-387-3232. Work-sharing special measures: For working Canadians impacted by the threat or potential realization of tariffs, the federal government is implementing special measures through employment insurance (EI) and the EI Work-Sharing Program, which helps employers avoid layoffs. These special measures are in effect from March 7, 2025 to March 6, 2026. Even if not involved in import/export activities, a landscape business may still be affected by trade tensions, such as clients scaling back or cancelling landscape projects. To help those businesses keep experienced crews and avoid layoffs during periods of decreased business activity beyond their control, the EI Work-Sharing Program provides EI benefits to employees who agree to work reduced hours. All employees participating in the agreement must experience at least a 10 per cent reduction to their regular weekly earnings. Work-sharing agreements under the U.S. tariffs special measures must have a
22 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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