Canadian Chamber of Commerce says uncertainty and turmoil persist with tariff delay

Trump had threatened the tariffs in response to what he called Canada’s failure to curb the illegal flow of people and drugs across the border.

The prime minister said he had a “good call” with Trump and talked about implementing a $1.3-billion border plan that includes helicopter patrols and commitments to appoint a “fentanyl czar,” list drug cartels as terrorist entities, and launch a Canada-U.S. joint strike force to combat organized crime.

Lisa Dressler, executive director of the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, says her organization’s role is to help businesses make connections and find alternatives amid potential economic pressures.

The chamber is also calling for interprovincial trade barriers — caused in part by local regulations growing apart — to be demolished.

“Oftentimes it’s easier for our businesses to export to other countries versus right within Canada,” Dressler told CHAT News in an interview Monday.

While Trump’s threatened tariffs have been delayed for now, Dressler said if they do come into effect, it could be hard to absorb the impact with already slim margins due to rising costs.

“They’ve had so many increased costs, whether that’s energy costs, their lease or rent costs, labour costs,” she said.

Dressler said the chamber’s role is to speak up for small businesses.

“It’s hard for them to share their story and really have an impact, so we can gather those stories through the chamber and be able to amplify those voices.

— With files from Dan Reynish

by Canadian Press, Eli J. Ridder

Canadian Chamber of Commerce says uncertainty and turmoil persist with tariff delay

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