The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade helps Ontario companies expand their business within Canada and globally. The Digital Export Market Development Initiative (DEMDI) helps new and existing exporters in Ontario use digital tools to continue to create business partnerships and opportunities. We also have export specialists living and working in important international markets who help arrange local business connections for Ontario companies.

Questions about exporting? Contact us at trade.officer@ontario.ca.

True North Free Trade Forum

Ontario, in partnership with Canadian provinces and territories is proud to virtually host the inaugural True North Free Trade Forum on March 30-31.

Aimed at strengthening business ties and increasing interprovincial and territorial trade, the Forum will address the challenges and opportunities presented by COVID-19 to support economic recovery. Hear from key business and government leaders from across Canada as they exchange ideas and explore new business opportunities in the Energy, Life Sciences and Healthcare, and Food and Beverage sectors. Topics such as technology, supply chain, logistics and transportation will also be featured

See our partners and agenda

Before selling outside of Ontario

Before you can begin selling outside of Canada, you must have a Business Number (BN) and an Import/Export Program Account from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

  • Visit Business Revenue Online to register for a BN and/or add an import-export account to an existing BN.
  • You must include your BN Import/Export Program Account on all of your customs documents. This applies to most shipments coming into or leaving Canada.
  • If you have questions, contact the CRA: Business Window at 1-800-959-552 or visit Business Registration Online (BRO)

Webinars and workshops on exporting

We offer a number of free export preparation and export market development webinars to help businesses expand both in Canada and globally.

They include: 

  • general exporter preparation webinars offering hands-on, practical advice from industry experts
  • market/region-specific webinars focused on helping Ontario companies take advantage of new business opportunities in global markets
  • industry-specific webinars offering learning opportunities tailored to a specific industry/sector
  • cross border e-commerce webinars designed to help Ontario companies utilize e-commerce as a channel to reach new markets

See the full calendar of trade programs and events and sign up to get updates

Talk to an advisor

Our skilled export advisors can help you get your business ready for new markets. Contact us to learn about the resources available to help you select markets to target and develop market entry strategies. 

For more information contact us:

 trade.officer@ontario.ca

Stay in touch

Subscribe to our emails or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn for updates on workshops, seminars and resources dedicated to getting ready to grow to global markets.

Updated: May 14, 2021
Published: June 18, 2015