The Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is calling for action from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the federal government in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump announcing and then pausing plans to introduce sweeping tariffs.
The 25 per cent tariffs had been set to go into effect Tuesday, Feb. 4, but Trump kicked the deadline down the road after a phone call with Trudeau where the Prime Minister pledged to enact improved border security already promised in 2024.
The chamber, like many throughout the region and Canada as a whole, is expecting the 30-day delay on the tariffs to only be a temporary reprieve.
鈥淲ith ongoing threats of tariffs on Canadian goods, our federal government must take immediate steps to shield businesses and workers from economic harm,鈥� chamber president Jordan Knox said. 鈥淲e are calling for bold action to remove trade barriers, strengthen security, and support economic growth in Penticton and throughout the entire country.鈥�
With tariffs now expected to go into effect in March, the chamber has penned a letter to Trudeau calling on the federal government to take seven specific actions to prepare and support local businesses.
The first key recommendation is to eliminate inter-provincial trade restrictions, a long-running issue particularly with regards to products such as alcohol from the Okanagan.
The other recommendations include:
* Expand trade with other countries.
* Implement a clear labeling system for Canadian-made products
* Strengthen port and rail security
* Permanently repeal the planned increase to the capital gains tax
* Ensure that relief packages issued once the tariffs go into effect have strict oversight and transparency
* Immediately reconvene Parliament to pass legislation to support Canadian businesses.
鈥淲e appreciate the government鈥檚 efforts in securing a 30-day reprieve from potential U.S. tariffs,鈥� said Michael Magnusson, the chamber鈥檚 executive director. "But now is the time to proactively reinforce Canada鈥檚 economic stability and protect our businesses from future disruptions.鈥�
Further south, Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff and the municipality have been invited to join a Border Mayors Alliance of other Canadian communities to co-ordinate in the face of Trump's trade war threats.
