On August 25, 2026, the Government of Canada announced new counter-tariffs in response to the United States imposing a 50 per cent tariff on $27.6 billion in Canadian goods, effective August 22. Ottawa’s response amounts to a dollar-for-dollar and rate-for-rate tariff imposition ranging from 15, 25, and 50 per cent on $27.6 billion in imports from the United States. According to Finance Canada, the counter-tariffs will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 8, 2026. These measures will only apply to qualifying U.S.-origin goods. Goods that are already in transit when the measures take effect will be excluded.
The Canadian government announced new and enhanced measures to support Canadian businesses affected by the recently escalated U.S. tariffs. The measures include liquidity support, diversification funding, and employment insurance supports. Sherrard Kuzz LLP has put together a briefing note that helps summarizes the key measures.