Calgary Chamber stresses need for strategic & immediate response to U.S. tariffs

The following statement is attributable to Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce:

“We are deeply concerned about the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports, particularly on Calgary’s key industries, including energy, manufacturing and agriculture. Tariffs of this magnitude risk billions in revenue, threaten thousands of jobs, disrupt the integrated supply chains critical to our economy and exacerbate affordability challenges. With small businesses responsible for 42 per cent of Canada’s exports to the U.S., we are particularly troubled by the sweeping impact tariffs would have across the economy.

“While we recognize the importance of defending Canadian interests, the Chamber strongly opposes retaliatory measures, including export taxes or restrictions on Canadian oil and natural gas to the United States. Our members have made their position clear: no Canadian industry should be used as a bargaining chip.

“Canada’s energy industry, which represents 25 per cent of the country’s total exports and accounts for $150 billion in annual trade with the U.S., is foundational to both the national and local economies. Such measures would mimic and amplify the negative effects of U.S. tariffs, reducing the value of Canadian energy products, discouraging investment and jeopardizing jobs. Additionally, restricting energy exports would harm affordability and energy security while undermining the interconnected infrastructure and partnerships that define the Canada-U.S. energy relationship. Calgary businesses need solutions that provide certainty and stability, not actions that inflict further economic pain.

“Data from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce further highlights the stakes: the Canada-U.S. trade relationship involves $3.6 billion in daily trade, with roughly half involving integrated supply chains. A 25 per cent tariff would impede Canada’s economic growth by 2.6 per cent which is the equivalent of $1,900 for every Canadian. Additionally, these tariffs raise costs for consumers on both sides of the border, further exacerbating the affordability challenges by fueling inflation.

“The Calgary Chamber has emphasized the need for a strategic, united and collaborative approach. Instead of retaliatory threats, Canada must focus on pragmatic solutions, delivered with a unified message, including:

• Mitigating the impact of tariffs on Canadian businesses and workers, including small businesses.
• Diversifying trade relationships to reduce dependence on a single customer.
• Streamlining regulatory processes to foster investment and infrastructure development.
• Leveraging the expertise of industries such as the energy sector to build resilient and effective policy responses.
• Prioritizing all key economic sectors, including agriculture, retail, electricity and energy, auto and manufacturing and others.

“We call on federal and provincial policymakers to work in partnership with businesses to safeguard jobs, protect revenues and bolster our competitiveness and reliability as a trading partner. Reactionary measures that undermine our economic stability and international reputation are not the answer.”

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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.

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