The Red Deer District Chamber of Commerce has denounced the United States government’s tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian goods and 10 per cent on Canadian energy exports.
Following a phone conversation Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that U.S. President Donald Trump is pausing threatened 25 per cent tariffs on most Canadian goods for 30 days. The tariffs were originally set to go into place on Tuesday.
Trudeau says he and Trump discussed Canada's $1.3 billion border plan, which includes helicopter patrols, and announced $200 million in new initiatives to address fentanyl trafficking.
In a news release Monday, the chamber said the tariffs pose a significant threat to businesses across Central Alberta, disrupting supply chains, increasing costs and limiting market access for exporters, the chamber said in a media release this week.
“Tariffs are an anti-business move that create economic instability for businesses on both sides of the border,” said Scott Robinson, CEO of the Red Deer District Chamber.
“At a time when businesses are already navigating inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labour shortages, these tariffs further complicate the ability of Canadian companies to compete and grow.”
A recent Chamber Member’s survey revealed that 16.87 per cent of respondents export goods or services to the United States, and 25 per cent are aware of other local businesses that do. Meanwhile, 45.24 per cent of respondents import goods or services from the U.S., and 47.37 per cent know other businesses that do. Ninety per cent of respondents are concerned about tariffs, with 45.24 per cent being very concerned and 47.62 per cent being somewhat concerned about their impact.
“Central Alberta businesses rely on strong trade partnerships to remain competitive,” said Mike Szyszka, president of the Red Deer District Chamber board of directors.
“These tariffs put unnecessary strain on manufacturers, exporters, and local businesses that depend on cross-border trade.”
The Red Deer District Chamber, in collaboration with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce and Canadian Chamber of Commerce, is actively advocating against these trade barriers.
"We fully support the Canadian government’s announcement to impose retaliatory tariffs to counter these unfair measures and send a clear message that Canada will defend its economic interests," states the Red Deer Chamber's Feb. 3 media release.
"We urge policymakers to defend Canadian businesses in trade negotiations, ensure swift and targeted countermeasures to mitigate economic harm, and push for long-term trade stability and diversification efforts."
While these tariffs pose challenges, they also reinforce the need for Canada to strengthen domestic supply chains, invest in critical infrastructure and diversify trade relationships beyond the U.S., states the media release.
“This is a pivotal moment for Canadian trade policy,” said Robinson.
“Central Alberta, as the economic heart of the province, is ready to lead in expanding market opportunities, reducing regulatory barriers, and ensuring businesses have the tools to thrive in a global economy.”
-With files from The Canadian Press
