Red Deer District Chamber Responds to U.S. Tariffs; Calls for Business-Friendly Trade Policies

The Red Deer District Chamber is strongly opposing the U.S. government’s recently announced tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian goods and 10 per cent on Canadian energy exports. These tariffs, set to take effect on February 4, 2025, pose a significant threat to businesses across Central Alberta, disrupting supply chains, increasing costs, and limiting market access for exporters.
 
“Tariffs are an anti-business move that create economic instability for businesses on both sides of the border,” said Scott Robinson, CEO of the Red Deer District Chamber. “At a time when businesses are already navigating inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labour shortages, these tariffs further complicate the ability of Canadian companies to compete and grow.”
 
Impact on Central Alberta Businesses
For over a century, the U.S. and Canada have enjoyed a robust partnership, with over $1 trillion in goods and services exchanged annually through a balanced trade relationship and deeply integrated supply chains. This collaboration benefits businesses, workers, and families on both sides of the border. In today's divided world, strengthening this bond is more crucial than ever—a sentiment central to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and shared by citizens across political lines. A prolonged trade war between our nations would yield no winners; instead, it could jeopardize jobs and affordability for countless individuals, particularly impacting small and mid-sized businesses as operational costs rise.
 
The U.S. remains Alberta’s largest trading partner, and local businesses are bracing for the impact of new tariffs. A recent Chamber Member’s survey revealed that 16.87 per cent of respondents export goods or services to the U.S., and 25 per cent are aware of other local businesses that do. 45.24 per cent of respondents import goods or services from the U.S., and 47.37 per cent know other businesses that do. 90 per cent of respondents are concerned about tariffs, with 45.24 per cent being very concerned and 47.62 per cent being somewhat concerned about their impact.
 
“Central Alberta businesses rely on strong trade partnerships to remain competitive,” said Mike Szyszka, President of the Red Deer District Chamber Board of Directors. “These tariffs put unnecessary strain on manufacturers, exporters, and local businesses that depend on cross-border trade.”
 
Chamber Advocacy: Defending Business Interests
The Red Deer District Chamber, in collaboration with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce and Canadian Chamber of Commerce, is actively advocating against these trade barriers. We fully support the Canadian government’s announcement to impose retaliatory tariffs to counter these unfair measures and send a clear message that Canada will defend its economic interests.
 
We urge policymakers to defend Canadian businesses in trade negotiations, ensure swift and targeted countermeasures to mitigate economic harm, and push for long-term trade stability and diversification efforts.
 
Why Tariffs Hurt Businesses, Workers & Consumers
Trade barriers like tariffs increase costs, limit competitiveness, and create uncertainty—hurting not just exporters but also businesses that rely on U.S. imports for materials and supplies. Higher costs for businesses translate into higher prices for consumers, reduced investment, and job losses.
 
At the same time, the Chamber acknowledges that multinational companies operating in Canada—such as Kraft and Starbucks—also employ thousands of Canadians. We urge the government to ensure that retaliatory measures are carefully targeted to maximize pressure on the U.S. while minimizing unintended harm to Canadian workers and businesses.
 
Strengthening Economic Resilience & Trade Diversification
While these tariffs pose challenges, they also reinforce the need for Canada to strengthen domestic supply chains, invest in critical infrastructure, and diversify trade relationships beyond the U.S.
 
Businesses and consumers can reduce reliance on foreign imports by sourcing locally and supporting Canadian-made products & suppliers. Investment in interprovincial trade & infrastructure is more important now than ever before. Canada must remove domestic trade barriers and modernize supply chain logistics to improve business flexibility. Focusing on expanding global trade partnerships by strengthening ties with European, Indo-Pacific, and other markets will create more options for exporters.
 
“This is a pivotal moment for Canadian trade policy,” added Robinson. “Central Alberta, as the economic heart of the province, is ready to lead in expanding market opportunities, reducing regulatory barriers, and ensuring businesses have the tools to thrive in a global economy.”
 
The Red Deer District Chamber will continue working alongside our provincial and national Chamber networks to push for fair trade policies that protect businesses, workers, and consumers alike.