ARGH

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.”

You can read the full release here.


Previous Next

Ontario Chamber: Federal GST Relief Adds Holiday Costs, Confusion, and Stress for Business

(Toronto – November 25, 2024) – Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), issued the following statement in response to the federal government’s announcement on Goods and Service Tax (GST) relief.

“The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is a strong advocate for policies that support a stronger economy – and good economic policy requires partnership and predictability. While the GST tax relief measure will stimulate demand and bring some financial relief to consumers during the holiday season, it also means added costs, confusion and stress for businesses that must now retool and adjust their systems during the busiest time of the year.

“Good public policy usually should not come as a holiday surprise. Affordability measures will be better received – and more impactful – when there is clarity and coordination with the business community and with other orders of government. The Ontario Chamber stands ready to collaborate with all governments to ensure businesses have a predictable policy environment that will spur growth and entrepreneurship.”

You can read the release here.


Previous Next

2025 Brockville Tall Ships Festival Sponsorship Package

Brockville is pleased to announce that the tall ships festival will return to our waterfront in 2025! The festival will be the first in the summer series taking place from Friday June 20 to Sunday June 22, 2025.

Details of the sponsorship package are provided below. For any inquiries, please contact Jennifer Devlin at jdevlin@brockville.com.


Previous Next