Several Ontario businesses are preparing for tariffs following the failure of Canadian and U.S. trade negotiators to reach an agreement at the last minute on Friday night.
Despite a three-day extension, the White House imposed a 50% tariff on around $28 billion worth of Canadian goods, including steel, aluminum, and auto exports.
Kimberly Turner-Briscoe, the president of a steel fastener supplier and distributor in Scarborough, expressed her struggles in sustaining her business amid the ongoing trade war initiated by Trump. She has made tough decisions such as shifting business focus away from the U.S. and reducing staff.
While disappointed by the tariffs, particularly the 25% sectional tariffs on fasteners, Turner-Briscoe commended negotiators for walking away from an unfavorable deal, emphasizing the importance of not compromising on quality agreements.
The newly taxed items make up approximately nine percent of Ontario’s total exports to the U.S. in 2025, as per Statistics Canada.
Prime Minister Carney criticized the U.S.’s proposed terms as economically unsound and unfair, leading Canada to reluctantly announce retaliatory tariffs across various sectors post-Labour Day.
Lana Payne, the national president of Unifor, supported the Canadian government’s stance, despite acknowledging the challenges faced by Canadian workers due to tariffs over the past year and a half.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford emphasized the importance of unity among Canada’s premiers in standing against unfavorable trade deals, asserting that Ontario will persevere through the economic challenges ahead.
Giles Gherson, president of the Toronto Region Board of Trade, warned of the detrimental impact of tariffs on jobs and investments in the region, urging coordinated action from provincial and federal authorities.
Turner-Briscoe noted a shift towards local purchasing habits among Canadians, highlighting the need for reduced dependence on the U.S. market.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow echoed this sentiment, encouraging residents to support local businesses in the face of escalating tariffs.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown emphasized the importance of standing firm against unfavorable trade agreements, particularly in the auto sector, to protect Canadian jobs and the economy.
Experts like Ian Lee from Carleton University and David Soberman from the University of Toronto foresee significant costs and challenges for Canadians due to the ongoing trade war with the U.S., stressing the need for strategic responses and potential return to negotiation tables.
