Our Statement on the Government of Canada’s Initial Measures in Response to U.S. Tariffs

U.S. tariffs were met today with an appropriate response by the Government of Canada when it announced this afternoon that it will introduce targeted policies to support workers and businesses. 

The Canadian Chamber has called on the government and political parties to focus on taking bold, united, immediate steps toward reducing red tape, lowering taxes, building trade infrastructure and addressing internal trade irritants. Today’s announcement aligns well with some of the measures businesses have been seeking. The considerations for workers, businesses, and agriculture are strong first steps to mitigating the damage caused by the U.S.-provoked trade war. We’re encouraged to see the emphasis on supporting exporters and businesses in sectors directly targeted by the tariffs, which, in turn, will help them diversify and reach new markets overseas. We also welcome the flexibilities introduced to the Work-Sharing Program as this is a needed line of defence to protect Canadian jobs.

As the government continues to respond to changes in the trading relationship, we must see close partnership between government and business on what is actually required from these programs, and, given the long road ahead of us, to remain agile and measured in their approach.

• Matthew Holmes, Executive Vice President and Chief of Public Policy, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce — The Future of Business Success 

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most activated business network — representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 business of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — working to create the conditions for our collective success. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success. From working with government on economy-friendly policy to providing services that inform commerce and enable trade, we give each of our members more of what they need to succeed: insight into markets, competitors and trends, influence over the decisions and policies that drive business success, and impact on business and economic performance.   

Media Contact

Shane Mackenzie
Vice President, Media and Stakeholder Communications
613.302.7683
smackenzie@chamber.ca