Businesses in Ontario are preparing for tariffs following unsuccessful trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. The White House imposed a 50 per cent tariff on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods, including steel, aluminum, and auto exports. This decision has left many business owners, like Kimberly Turner-Briscoe, concerned about the future of their operations.
Turner-Briscoe, the president of a steel fastener supplier based in Scarborough, has faced challenges navigating the impact of the ongoing trade war. She has had to make tough decisions such as shifting business away from the U.S. and reducing staff numbers. Despite her disappointment over the tariffs, Turner-Briscoe commended negotiators for walking away from an unfavorable deal, asserting that no deal is preferable to a bad one.
The newly imposed tariffs affect around nine percent of Ontario’s total exports to the U.S. in 2025, according to Statistics Canada. Prime Minister Carney criticized the U.S.’s proposed terms as economically unsound and unfair, prompting Canada to announce retaliatory tariffs on various sectors post-Labour Day.
Unifor national president Lana Payne expressed support for the government’s stance, emphasizing the need to push back against the U.S.’s demands for excessive concessions. With Canadian negotiators opting to withdraw from the trade talks, Payne acknowledged the challenges ahead for the country and its workforce, stressing the importance of unity among Canadians.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford commended the decision to reject the unfavorable trade agreement with the U.S. and called for provincial solidarity. He reassured Ontarians that despite the upcoming challenges, the province’s diverse economy would withstand the impact of the tariffs and provide support to affected workers.
Giles Gherson, president of the Toronto Region Board of Trade, warned that the tariffs would directly impact jobs and investments in the region, urging collaboration between provinces and the federal government to address the issue collectively. Gherson encouraged Canadians to support local industries to counteract the economic repercussions of the trade war.
Mayor Olivia Chow of Toronto echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the city’s commitment to bolstering local businesses in the face of U.S. tariffs. The collective effort to prioritize domestic goods has gained momentum, with leaders like Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown advocating for a united front to protect Canadian workers and industries.
Experts caution that the Canada-U.S. trade war will have significant costs for Canadians, potentially leading to higher prices, increased unemployment, and business closures. Despite the challenges, there is hope for a return to negotiations to secure a favorable deal for both countries. The road ahead may be tough, but with strategic action and unity, Canadians can navigate the turbulent economic landscape.
The impact of the ongoing trade war underscores the importance of supporting local businesses and industries to mitigate the adverse effects of the tariffs and strengthen the Canadian economy in the face of external pressures.