Essex County won’t be implementing a tax deferral program to help local businesses hit by tariffs levied by the United States.

In May, the county implemented a “buy Canadian” procurement policy in response to the tariffs but council also asked the county’s administration to consult with its seven municipalities to explore ways to provide tax relief for businesses hit by U.S. tariffs.

The region has about 350 tool and mould shops that are directly involved with the auto industry that were being hit by the tariffs, representing about 6,000 employees, Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara said at the time, noting the proposal was for a tax deferral initiative, not tax forgiveness.

But a report presented to council earlier this month by Melissa Ryan, the county’s d irector of financial services and

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