Standing Strong for Brantford-Brant: Navigating U.S. Tariffs Together
Tuesday, March 4th:
Statement by Candace Laing, President & CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce:
“Today’s reckless decision by the U.S. administration is forcing Canada and the U.S. toward recessions, job losses and economic disaster.
The U.S. government’s self-defeating tariff policy disregards decades of success and trillions in trade to try and revive a failed economic model from the 1800s. Tariffs are a tax on the American people. Rather than bringing back affordability or creating a “golden age” for business, tariffs will cost consumers at the checkout, cost producers more at every point along the supply chain, and force businesses to find alternate suppliers that are less reliable than Canadian ones.
The U.S. can claim this policy is about hitting Canada where it hurts, but it will soon see the disastrous impacts at home in cities like Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Louisville. The U.S. can save its people from pain by stopping to reassess, as it did in 2018 when it realized the true cost of steel and aluminum tariffs was paid by American manufacturers.
As for us, now is the time to double down on protecting our economic sovereignty and security. Recent announcements from the federal and provincial governments on internal trade are steps in the right direction, but what we do in this moment can’t be incremental, it must be transformational. To build a resilient, self-reliant and future-proof economy, we need to diversify our trade partners, revamp the tax and regulatory system, and do even more to streamline internal trade.
Canada is resource and talent rich. Our economic future is ours to determine — it’s time to join our economic strategy with concrete action to not only minimize the short-term damage but to chart a more prosperous path long-term.”
Statement by Daniel Tisch, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce:
Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) President and CEO, Daniel Tisch, released the following statement strongly condemning the United States’ imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, calling the move reckless and harmful to both economies.
“The U.S. president’s reckless, unprovoked trade war against Canada will lower the standard of living for every American and every Canadian – ignoring the will of the American people, the advice of the U.S. business community, and the trade agreement he negotiated and signed. Unless the U.S. pulls back, it will mean higher prices, lost jobs and investment, and struggling businesses on both sides of the border. It’s not putting America first; it’s more likely to put North America last.
The fastest way out of this madness requires a firm Canadian response coupled with an offer for dialogue. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has urged our provincial and federal governments to support businesses and protect investment, and to take immediate and long-term steps to enhance Canada’s resilience.
This is a time to prioritize competitiveness over complacency, diversification over dependence, and resilience over resistance to change. We are encouraged by the unity between business and political leaders. The Ontario Chamber will continue to convene, mobilize and empower businesses and chambers at this critical time, and to work with our government partners to turn talk into action.”
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce remains committed to working with businesses across all sectors and in all communities, as well as with chambers of commerce across the country, to mitigate the economic fallout of these tariffs and ensure Ontario businesses remain globally competitive.
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February 18th Update:
Tariff tools: Export Development Canada: https://www.edc.ca/
FAQs: What Canadian exporters need to know about the impact of potential U.S. tariffs
Interactive Tool: Canada Tariff Finder Find – tariff rates and trade agreements relevant to your business.: https://www.tariffinder.ca/en/
Government support programs and resources:
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service – Guidance for businesses navigating trade policies. https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/index.aspx?lang=eng
Business Benefits Finder – Federal programs and incentives available to businesses – https://innovation.ised-isde.canada.ca/innovation/s/?language=en_CA
Canada Business App: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/canada-business-app
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February 11th Update:
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Business Data Lab is monitoring the very fluid situation. Please read this blog post for an updated analysis:
https://chamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CMA_Blog.pdf
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February 5th Update:
Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant:
The Chamber is in daily contact with the City and County leadership, and many of our members to understand the impact and prepare for next steps. It is increasingly essential that a renewed focus on the regional economy to build resiliency and improve business conditions must be a priority for all levels of government.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce “All in Canada” Statement: https://chamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/All-In-Canada-Plan-CL-0205.pdf
What the Canadian Chamber is Doing:
• Fighting for Permanent Tariff Removal – The CCC and its network are using every day of this extension to push for a permanent resolution, ensuring tariffs are taken off the table for good. Tariffs only serve to raise costs for businesses and consumers on both sides of the border.
• Highlighting Economic Impact – The CCC’s Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker continues to illustrate the importance of this trade relationship—$3.6 billion in daily trade is at stake. Some provinces and communities face a significant economic blow if these measures remain.
• Advocating for Economic Stability – The CCC is pressing the U.S. and Canadian governments to build on our integrated supply chains rather than disrupt them. Canada and the U.S. make things together, and trade policies should reflect that reality.
Ontario Chamber of Commerce:
What the Ontario Chamber is Doing:
• Ontario Business & Trade Leadership Coalition – A coalition of leaders from Ontario’s trade-dependent sectors has been formed to advise government and support business competitiveness. An emergency meeting with Premier Ford took place on February 3rd.
• Pan-Canadian Advocacy on Interprovincial Trade – The OCC has been leading a nationwide push to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers, coordinating efforts with provincial chambers and federal leaders, including the Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of Economic Development.
• U.S. Advocacy – The OCC has been actively engaging with U.S. chambers to reinforce the importance of trade with Ontario and Canada. Next week, OCC President & CEO Daniel Tisch will join Premier Ford in Washington as he addresses the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and meets with senior American business leaders.
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February 3rd Update:
The Chamber is working with the City of Brantford and County of Brant Economic Development departments to develop local responses, stay tuned to this page and our Chamber e-news and social media channels for more information.
The City of Brantford’s Page: https://www.advantagebrantford.ca/en/data-centre/us-trade.aspx
The updated Canadian Chamber of Commerce Response can be found here:
https://chamber.ca/news/canadian-chamber-commerce-responds-to-president-trump-tariffs/
Canada/US Trade Tracker: https://businessdatalab.ca/canada-u-s-trade-tracker/
The Toronto Board of Trade has an excellent summary of the issues and impact:
Ontario Chamber of Commerce Response:
10 Tips for Ontario SMEs:
https://occ.ca/wp-content/uploads/10-Steps-to-Navigate-the-US-Tariffs_OCC.pdf
At the provincial level, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce has created the Ontario Business & Trade Leadership Coalition. The coalition brings together industry leaders to develop solutions, advocate for policies, and ensure Ontario businesses stay globally competitive by addressing the impacts of U.S. tariffs. This includes strengthening cross-border relations and providing guidance to navigate trade challenges to develop strategies that mitigate adverse impacts and offer relief.
The OCC has also elevated an historic call for the dismantling of interprovincial trade barriers:
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ARCHIVED:
January 30th Update:
The Chamber supports the initiatives of the provinces, federal government, and Canadian Chamber of Commerce in its efforts to reduce interprovincial barriers to internal trade. See more here:
https://chamber.ca/news/canadian-chamber-statement-on-the-urgent-need-to-prioritize-internal-trade/
A reminder: The Chamber wants to hear your stories, challenges, and opportunities. Please reach out David here:
January 20th, 2025
Dear Members,
As President Donald Trump assumes office this week, we recognize the significant concerns surrounding his administration’s threat of a 25% tariff on all goods imported into the U.S. from Canada.
These proposed tariffs pose a substantial threat to our region’s economy, given our region’s manufacturing and logistics sectors.
The Chamber of Commerce has consistently been at the forefront of advocating for local businesses during times of significant challenge. Six years ago, when U.S. tariffs on steel threatened millions of dollars in investments and jeopardized approximately 9,000 steel manufacturing and production jobs, the Chamber took decisive action to mitigate the impact.
Today, as our economy faces a new and significant threat, the Chamber remains committed to advocating for our business community, working closely with federal, provincial, and municipal partners to address these emerging challenges and to mitigate their economic impact as outlined below.
Our advocacy ensures Brantford-Brant’s businesses have access to vital resources, including financial relief, updated trade data, and direct input into policy decisions.
Trade Mission to Washington
In March, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is leading a trade mission to Washington, D.C. to address challenges in supply chains and uncertainties stemming from proposed tariffs. The mission aims to strengthen Canada-U.S. trade relations, enhance innovation and productivity in manufacturing, and improve supply chain resilience.
Federal Initiatives
On a national level, the Canadian Chamber’s Business Data Lab has introduced the Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker, a tool designed to help businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders better understand and strengthen our world-class trade relationship: https://businessdatalab.ca/canada-u-s-trade-tracker/
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Provincial Collaboration
At the provincial level, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce has created the Ontario Business & Trade Leadership Coalition. The coalition brings together industry leaders to develop solutions, advocate for policies, and ensure Ontario businesses stay globally competitive by addressing the impacts of U.S. tariffs. This includes strengthening cross-border relations and providing guidance to navigate trade challenges to develop strategies that mitigate adverse impacts and offer relief.
https://occ.ca/mediareleases/obtlc/
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is active on many fronts:
• Ontario government strategy: We are working closely with the Premier, his office and Ontario’s representatives in the U.S. to deepen American understanding of the enormous value of cross-border trade and the dire consequences of trade barriers to businesses, workers and communities on both sides of the border. We are also collaborating on the government’s strategy to defend Ontario, strengthen its economic competitiveness and demonstrate the benefits of a stronger North American economic alliance.
• U.S. state chambers: Building relationships and alignment: Before the U.S. election, we brought together the CEOs of the eight U.S. state chambers that border Ontario for a joint briefing on Canada-U.S. trade. Since then, these relationships have been valuable in gaining intelligence and forming a cross-border front against new trade barriers. While this will obviously not eliminate the tariff threat, it can help mitigate its scale, scope, impact and duration. In the longer-term, this can strengthen U.S. business support for a renewal of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Trade Agreement in 2026.
• Ontario business engagement and alignment: In the days ahead, the Ontario Chamber will launch a new Ontario Business & Trade Leadership Coalition, comprised of the leaders of industries most affected by U.S. trade barriers, and most strategic in securing Ontario’s future trade advantage. Part “war room” and part think tank, this group will help strengthen the weight of our recommendations to government, and our counsel to our members. On the weekend, I spoke directly with the Premier about this, and he is eager to receive the group’s recommendations. We will also be engaging with the broader chamber network and our membership, to ensure we have an organized, united front ahead of anticipated economic impacts.
• Media relations and public advocacy: We have been active in influential media – including coverage in the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Bloomberg, National Post and U.S. border-state media – in advocating a public policy agenda that advances sustainable growth. For example, we’ve called on leaders to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers; lower the cost of doing business; accelerate development of strategic industries such as mining; invest in infrastructure, talent and community health; and help businesses diversify their trade relationships. These and other ideas will drive our pre-budget submissions and Ontario Economic Report recommendations.
• SME programs: The Ontario Chamber has been a leader in developing and delivering programs to make small businesses more competitive – helping them with a range of challenges such as hiring talent or adopting technology. We are working hard to expand these offerings, including supporting them in developing new business and trade relationships. This is a longer-term effort, and we hope to have more to share later in the year. The Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant is part of the initial rollout of one of these initiatives.
Municipal Advocacy Efforts
We are proactively collaborating with the Economic Development teams of the City of Brantford and County of Brant to assess the potential repercussions of these tariffs on our local GDP and export activities. By comprehensively understanding these impacts, we can effectively advocate for our businesses at both the provincial and federal levels. This partnership ensures that Brantford-Brant’s unique economic landscape is represented in broader discussions. Please see the free webinar US Exports webinar below: Registration: https://forms.gle/Mk553kR8tjZfJ1Ds9
Canada’s Response
Canada’s federal and provincial leaders have expressed a firm stance against the proposed U.S. tariffs, highlighting the intertwined nature of the U.S. and Canadian economies and the potential impact on consumers. Canada is preparing to implement retaliatory “tit-for-tat” tariffs on American products, including steel and orange juice, if necessary. This approach underscores Canada’s commitment to protecting its economic interests and supporting affected industries.
The Chamber’s Commitment to You
As these developments unfold, we are here to support you. The Chamber is committed to ensuring your concerns are heard and addressed at all levels of government.
As noted over the past few weeks, we invite you to share your experiences with us—your insights are vital to shaping the advocacy that protects and supports your business.
Together, we will navigate these uncertainties and continue to champion the prosperity of our business community.
– The Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant
2025 Tariff Response
Canadian Chamber of Commerce President and CEO’s Statement: “Being America’s ‘nice neighbour’ won’t get us anywhere in this situation”
https://chamber.ca/news/candace-laings-statement-on-president-elect-trumps-proposed-25-tariffs/
Canada’s Manufacturing Sector:
https://chamber.ca/policy-matters-what-does-the-u-s-have-to-do-with-canadas-manufacturing-sector/
