Tariff Talks: What’s the Chamber Doing?

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Responds To President Trump’s Tariffs

“President Trump’s profoundly disturbing decision to impose tariffs will have immediate and direct consequences on Canadian and American livelihoods. Tariffs will drastically increase the cost of everything for everyone: every day these tariffs are in place hurts families, communities, and businesses.

Canada has been a safe, secure and reliable trading partner to the U.S. for decades. Whether it’s our crude oil that is practically perfect for the North American autos we build together, the potash that supports the agriculture that feeds America, or the critical minerals and other inputs that go into everyday essentials like washing machines and refrigerators, America needs Canada. Our supply chains are so deeply integrated that you can’t unwind them overnight. They are integrated not simply because we get along as neighbours, but because it makes sense financially for businesses and consumers on both sides of the border.

Which is why if President Trump truly wanted to bring down costs for Americans, he would be looking at strengthening our trade ties, not tearing them apart. This decision makes no sense when the majority of Americans oppose tariffs, when it harms businesses and workers on both sides of the border, and when the U.S. stock market is signaling that there’s no appetite for disruption.

Right now, job number one for Canada is providing security to the Canadian families, communities and businesses that are rightly scared by the consequences of President Trump’s self-defeating measures.

Until we can make President Trump and U.S. decision makers understand the enormity of the Canada-U.S. relationship, Canada needs to focus on what we can control here at home to build a more resilient economy and restore as much stability to Canadians as possible. If we can’t trade south, let’s diversify our trading partners and dismantle unnecessary internal trade barriers to keep goods and services flowing north, east, and west. A strong, united, and competitive Canadian economy will thrive no matter what gets thrown our way.”

– Candace Lang, President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Don’t forget tools like the Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker, paired with ongoing dialogue with government, business leaders and media in both countries, are critical to the advocacy and problem solving needed.

For Canada and the U.S., the path to prosperity lies in working together, not apart.

Explore the Tracker

Canada’s Provincial Chambers Unite to Urge Premiers to Dismantle Internal Trade Barriers

Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released a letter, signed by all of Canada’s provincial chambers, urging Canada’s premiers to dismantle internal trade barriers.

Daniel Tisch, the Ontario Chamber’s President and CEO, released the following statement:

“It’s exciting to see Canada’s business community unite around a cause that matters to every Canadian: enhancing our nation’s competitiveness and resilience. By removing internal trade barriers, our premiers can lead the way in creating opportunities for businesses and lowering costs for consumers in every province and territory.

As we face U.S. tariff threats and global economic uncertainty, Canada must look in the mirror. It’s hard to call for free trade abroad while maintaining barriers to trade within our own borders. Now is the time for provinces and territories to work together, and with the federal government, to create a truly open market, ensuring businesses can grow, trade freely, and build a stronger, more resilient economy.

We are committed to collaborating with governments and our members to drive solutions that foster economic growth, enhance competitiveness, and improve the quality of life for all Canadians.”

To read the letter, please click here.

And directly from the Desk of Daniel Tisch

The Trump administration’s senseless, mutually destructive attack on the world’s most successful bilateral trade relationship is a wake-up call for Ontario and Canada.

Any leader who would renege on his own trade agreement is an untrustworthy and unreliable ally. And even if the crisis subsides following Canadian retaliation and the urgent counsel of U.S. business leaders, congressional allies and the president’s more sensible advisors, it’s clear that we must urgently strengthen Ontario’s competitiveness and its resilience to external threats.

That’s why the Ontario Chamber of Commerce recently launched the Ontario Business & Trade Leadership Coalition, which unites leaders from key trade-dependent sectors to champion business-driven solutions, advocate for effective government policies, and solidify Ontario’s position as a global leader in trade. This will involve both short-term advocacy and long-term thinking.

With extraordinary leaders around this table, today’s wake-up call is one we will answer.

Daniel Tisch, APR, FCPRS, ICD.D

President and CEO

Ontario Chamber of Commerce

U.S. Chamber: Tariffs Are Not the Answer

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President and Head of International John Murphy released the following statement regarding President Trump’s announcement that the administration will implement 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and 10% tariffs on China:

“The President is right to focus on major problems like our broken border and the scourge of fentanyl, but the imposition of tariffs under IEEPA is unprecedented, won’t solve these problems, and will only raise prices for American families and upend supply chains. The Chamber will consult with our members, including main street businesses across the country impacted by this move, to determine next steps to prevent economic harm to Americans. We will continue to work with Congress and the administration on solutions to address the fentanyl and border crisis.”

For more information check out the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.