The Ontario government has announced C$11-billion in tax deferrals and rebates to shield the province’s economy from growing uncertainty caused by US-imposed tariffs, with the mining sector among those set to benefit.

Premier Doug Ford said the support package aims to provide immediate relief to businesses and workers while reinforcing Ontario’s long-term economic competitiveness. “In the face of President Trump’s attacks on Ontario’s economy, our government will do whatever it takes to protect Ontario workers and businesses,” Ford stated.

The measures include a six-month deferral of select provincially administered taxes, from April 1 to October 1, allowing about 80 000 Ontario businesses to hold onto an estimated C$9-billion in cash flow. Among the taxes covered are the employer health tax, fuel tax, and the mining tax — offering relief to resource companies operating in the province.

In addition, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) will issue a further C$2-billion rebate to employers with strong safety records, building on a similar rebate distributed in March. This brings the total WSIB support to C$4-billion over two years, impacting over 280 000 employers.

Ontario’s government said the strategy is part of a broader effort to build “the most competitive economy in the G7” by cutting internal trade barriers, accelerating development approvals, and supporting companies retooling for new markets.

“We can’t control President Trump, but we’re in full control of the kind of future we build for ourselves," said Ford.

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said the province was “ready to protect Ontario’s workers, businesses and families from the economic uncertainty of US-imposed tariffs", while Minister of Economic Development Vic Fedeli added that the response would help “build a strong, stable future for generations to come".

Mining companies are expected to benefit not only from the direct tax relief but also from the government’s commitment to streamlining permitting timelines — a longstanding industry priority.

The government is also unlocking C$400-million in WSIB health and safety programming, and has previously removed fees for apprentices pursuing trades qualifications, reinforcing its focus on labour market resilience.

While the relief measures are temporary, the Ford government emphasized that further actions could be introduced as the trade and economic landscape evolved.