Business community deeply concerned by Trump’s imposed tariffs

March 4, 2025, Calgary, AB – The Calgary Chamber is profoundly discouraged by President Trump’s decision to go ahead with unjustified 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and 10% on Canadian energy. We have been clear: tariffs are bad economic policy. They will unequivocally hurt businesses, workers and families on both sides of the border. We’re already seeing the impacts in markets and on industries, including agriculture, construction and energy. We are encouraged by a swift response from the Canadian government and anticipate the additional measures aimed at supporting Canadians and the Canadian economy in the coming days.

“Without a doubt, today’s decision to impose tariffs on Canadian goods is irresponsible, unnecessary and extremely costly for both Canadians and Americans. This will cause inflation, reduce discretionary spending by consumers and have a negative impact on the economy on both sides of the border,” says Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “Canada and the United States have had one of the strongest and most successful trade relationships in the world and this policy decision entirely disregards and undermines that success – for no reason. We commend the work our governments - at all levels - have done to prepare for the impact and we are committed to supporting our nation’s long term economic prosperity and sovereignty – whatever it takes.”

We have been actively working with all orders of government to prepare for tariffs and put forward measures that help Canadian workers and businesses weather the impacts. To date, we have been actively representing our business community through the Mayor’s Tariff Working Group, the Alberta Trade Advisory Council and the Federal Forum for U.S.-Canada Issues.

Specifically, we have – and will continue to – advocate for governments to:

• Take immediate action to work with our neighbors to the south to eliminate tariffs imposed on both American and Canadian industries.
• Develop immediate and short-term financial supports for businesses and workers to insulate Canadians from financial harm, with consideration to discretionary sectors that are more likely to be impacted by tariffs, lower consumer confidence and higher prices.
• Expeditiously and deliberately work to eliminate interprovincial barriers and advance mutual recognition of regulation to accelerate the changes.
• Develop a loan program for businesses with significant exports to the U.S. to help provide capital required to expand into new markets.
• Provide businesses with resources to help them find alternative non-American inputs and understand likely economic impact on their business.
• Collectively work with business leaders, particularly with companies who operate on both sides of the border, to bolster advocacy south of the border.
• Market Calgary and Canadian destinations within Canada to offset decreased American tourism and leverage the Canadian desire to bolster our economy all levels.

We unequivocally support the considerable and ongoing efforts of the federal, provincial and municipal governments in their efforts to mitigate tariffs and their impact to the economy, including by improving internal trade. Additionally, we continue to advocate for relief measures for Canadians and Canadian businesses as well as long-term measures to improve our regulatory and tax competitiveness.

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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce 

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce exists to help businesses reach their potential. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.

Media opportunities 

Brittany Brander, Manager, Public Relations & Communications
media@calgarychamber.com