MICHAEL MAGNUSSON
PENTICTON – The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is urging the federal government to take decisive action to protect Canadian businesses from the potential economic fallout of new U.S. tariffs. In a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Chamber outlined six key recommendations to strengthen Canada’s economy, enhance trade security, and ensure the resilience of local businesses.
“With ongoing threats of tariffs on Canadian goods, our federal government must take immediate steps to shield businesses and workers from economic harm,” said Chamber President Jordan Knox. “We are calling for bold action to remove trade barriers, strengthen security, and support economic growth in Penticton and throughout the entire country.”
The Chamber’s key recommendations include:
- Dismantle Interprovincial Trade Barriers
The Chamber is advocating for the elimination of interprovincial trade restrictions, which could boost Canada’s GDP by up to 7%, equating to billions in economic growth. With global trade challenges mounting, Canada must fully leverage internal markets to drive economic prosperity.
2. Expand and Diversify Canada’s Trade Partners
Reducing reliance on the U.S. by strengthening trade agreements with the European Union, Asia-Pacific nations, and emerging markets will help insulate Canadian businesses from economic volatility.
3. Implement a “Made in Canada” Identification System
A clear labeling system for Canadian-made products would allow consumers to easily identify and support domestic goods, strengthening national industries and reinforcing Canada’s global economic standing.
4. Strengthen Port and Rail Security
In addition to securing our land borders, the Chamber strongly encourages the inclusion of ports and rail in these efforts. The disbandment of the Ports Canada Police in 1997 weakened our ability to intercept narcotics and other illegal goods at entry points. Furthermore, Canada’s Border Services Agency has no infrastructure in place to search trains for drugs, people, and other goods crossing illegally into and out of the country by rail. Reinstating dedicated port policing and increasing CBSA resources for railcar inspections would not only address U.S. concerns but also enhance national security and combat the organized crime activities fueling Canada’s illicit drug crisis.
5. Permanently Repeal the Capital Gains Tax Increase
The Chamber is calling for the permanent repeal of the proposed capital gains tax hike, which would discourage investment and entrepreneurship. Economic uncertainty demands policies that attract investment and support business expansion, rather than imposing new financial burdens.
6. Ensure Transparent and Responsible Financial Relief Measures
If relief packages are needed to counteract tariffs, the Chamber stresses the importance of strict oversight and accountability to prevent financial mismanagement and inflationary pressures.
7. Reconvene Parliament to Address Urgent Economic Challenges
Given the severity of the economic threat posed by potential U.S. tariffs, the Chamber echoes the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s call to reconvene Parliament. Swift legislative action is needed to implement policies that protect Canadian businesses, stabilize the economy, and position Canada for long-term growth amid uncertain global trade conditions.
“We appreciate the government’s efforts in securing a 30-day reprieve from potential U.S. tariffs,” added Michael Magnusson, the Chamber’s Executive Director, “but now is the time to proactively reinforce Canada’s economic stability and protect our businesses from future disruptions.”
Michael Magnusson is the Executive Director of the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce
