Federal Tariff Relief Announcement

By Angie Gélinas - President + CEO the Nonprofit Chamber

As I re-read and watch today’s federal tariff relief announcement, what stands out to me is the sheer scale of the challenge. Stabilizing supply chains, protecting jobs, and maintaining confidence in key industries is not a quick fix it will take sustained effort from government and business alike. While I understand the monumental challenge this government is facing, there's a clear gap. In the entire response, there is one mention of nonprofits.

Still, at first glance there are a few pathways worth noting:

Work-Sharing (Special Measures)
If your nonprofit is reducing hours or programs, you may be eligible. Agreements now extend up to 76 weeks, with no cooling-off period.

Regional Tariff Initiative
This fund was expanded in today’s announcement. It primarily supports SMEs, but nonprofits that help businesses manage trade disruptions are explicitly eligible.

BDC, EDC, and FCC Programs
These were designed for businesses, but nonprofits, especially those with social enterprises or earned-revenue arms, should look closely. Some supports may fit.

GST/HST Rebates
Charities and nonprofits can continue to lean on the Public Service Bodies’ rebate to help offset rising costs.

For me, here’s the gap in the measures as they stand:

The government’s focus = industries, jobs, supply chains, and exports.
The nonprofits’ focus = people and communities

More Canadians are relying on the services we provide, but we're not getting the support we need to continue supporting communities.

The Nonprofit Chamber will be supporting Imagine Canada's efforts and others across the country to push for nonprofits, who employ 1 in 20 Albertans and contribute $5.5B annually to our provincial GDP, to be explicitly included in tariff and trade responses.

When shocks like this hit, nonprofits are the ones steadying families and communities while the system adjusts. That role needs to be seen and supported alongside every other part of Canada’s response.

For my sector colleagues, I encourage you to explore what’s on the table, don’t assume you’re excluded, and reach out if you’re unsure. There are a few pathways available for certain nonprofits. A one-pager is available here that helps pull out where we are mentioned.

There is still a lack of clarity about where nonprofits fit in this response. What is clear is that nonprofits need to be part of this conversation.