Ford government says Protect Ontario tariff program has spent $140 million

Ontario’s Ford government says its $5 billion Protect Ontario account has spent about $140 million so far on support for businesses affected by tariffs from the United States. At a committee meeting at Queen’s Park, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy was questioned by opposition members about how much of the fund had actually been used. A deputy minister said the program has received 36 applications worth just under $100 million, with 18 approved for about $40 million, plus $100 million in support for Algoma Steel. The government also said it is rethinking the broader Protect Ontario Account Investment Fund that was outlined in the 2026 budget. Bethlenfalvy said the province is not actively advancing that plan right now, arguing that the government wants to keep resources available during an uncertain economic period.