Prioritize Canadian businesses, strengthen trade between the provinces and shop local.
This is the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce's message to local residents and businesses in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to hit Canada with 25 per cent tariffs on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
The chamber said by working together across provinces, Canadian businesses can build resilience while reducing reliance on foreign goods.
鈥淣ow, more than ever, it鈥檚 vital to invest in our local and national economy by choosing Canadian-made products and supporting businesses right here in Salmon Arm and across the country,鈥� said chamber executive director Christine Jontz-Barbour in a Feb. 3 media release. 鈥淭ariffs can create challenges, but by strengthening interprovincial trade and working together as Canadians, we can keep our economy strong and competitive.鈥�
The chamber views interprovincial trade as a means of reducing supply chain disruptions, and "ensuring Canadian businesses have access to high-quality goods and services."
"By sourcing materials, products, and services from within Canada, businesses can avoid certain international trade barriers while supporting job creation and
innovation across the country," reads the release. "Additionally, with some Canadian businesses facing increased pricing pressures in the U.S. due to tariffs, supporting them here at home can help offset potential revenue losses鈥�
"By buying Canadian, consumers and businesses alike can help keep industries competitive and mitigate the impact of shifting global trade dynamics. Shopping locally and choosing Canadian-made products ensures that dollars stay within our communities, helping small businesses grow, creating jobs, and fostering long-term economic stability."
Trump and Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were expected to speak again Monday, Feb. 3, following an announcement the announcement of a one-month pause on 25 per cent tariffs being levied against Mexico. The U.S. president told the media on Feb. 1 that in order to lift to the tariffs, Canada and Mexico "have to balance out their trade,"
When asked what Canada and Mexico have to do to lift the tariffs, Trump told reporters "they have to balance out their trade, number one."
"They've got to stop people from pouring into our country鈥� and we have to stop fentanyl," said Trump.
Canada plans to respond with tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods going into effect on Feb. 4. Afterwards, tariffs would be applied to another $125 billion in U.S. goods in three weeks.
The Salmon Arm chamber is urging residents and business to be mindful of where their products come from, and to consider the broader impact of supporting homegrown businesses.
"Whether purchasing from local retailers, sourcing from Canadian suppliers, or collaborating with businesses in other provinces, every choice to 'buy Canadian' makes a difference," said the chamber.
