Ontario Chamber: Team Canada Approach Needed to Prevent Tariff and Trade War
(Toronto, November 26, 2024) – The Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) President and CEO, Daniel Tisch, called for immediate, unified action by Canadian political leaders following the incoming U.S. administration’s threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods. With $3.6 billion in goods and services crossing the border daily – $1 billion to and from Ontario alone – the tariff would have devastating consequences for both countries.
“The U.S. is Canada’s largest trading partner, and Canada is a larger customer of the U.S. than China, Japan, the U.K., and France combined. Ontario is a critical hub for manufacturing, agriculture, technology and innovation, and Americans rely on Ontario-made products.
“That’s why this proposal would be so harmful to businesses and workers on both sides of the border. It would disrupt supply chains, drive up manufacturing costs, reduce exports, erode investor confidence and fuel job losses, particularly in Ontario and the border states. It would also harm families and small businesses that depend on these industries.
“Addressing this threat is not just an economic challenge; it must be a national priority. The Ontario Chamber calls on the federal government to urgently address this escalating challenge with a united Team Canada approach. We reinforce Premier Ford’s request for a meeting between the Prime Minister and the provincial premiers. Finally, we urge the Prime Minister and the federal Leader of the Opposition to find common ground on this issue, putting the national interest ahead of partisan interests.
“It’s time for a strong, coordinated stance to ensure trade continues to flow freely for the benefit of businesses, workers and communities in both countries.”