Tariff-hit Windsor-Essex businesses wait months for federal support replies
Regional Tariff Response Initiative support is slow for Windsor-Essex firms Get clarity on delays, changing rules and what local businesses can do next
Business groups in WindsorEssex say companies affected by crossborder tariffs are facing long waits and unclear rules while applying for federal support through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative.
The Canadian Association of Moldmakers and the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce say some businesses applied months ago and still have not received a response. They also say recent changes to the program have created confusion, with different application streams and shifting criteria making it harder for firms to know how to proceed.
FedDev Ontario says it is working to process applications as quickly as possible and notes that the program has already supported hundreds of projects. The federal government recently added more funding for southern Ontario businesses, but local leaders say companies need faster decisions to help manage cash flow and keep operating.