Our Statement
February 3rd, 2025
EDMONTON, AB – The U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods are a direct hit to Edmonton businesses. A 25 percent tariff on most exports and a 10 percent tariff on oil will raise costs, disrupt supply chains, and put jobs at risk. Businesses are already facing tough choices—whether to absorb the costs, pass them on to consumers, or relocate their operations to survive.
We are encouraged by the 30-day pause on the tariffs, however we will continue to monitor the changes as they occur
“These tariffs are not about border security. They create uncertainty, drive up costs, and put both Canadian and American businesses in a lose-lose situation,” said Doug Griffiths, President & CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. “Our members are telling us they’re worried, and rightfully so. Some are looking at delaying investments, others at cutting costs wherever they can. And for those that rely on U.S. markets, they’re being forced to make impossible decisions in real-time.”
The Chamber is taking action. We are working closely with business leaders, policymakers, and our counterparts across Canada and the U.S. to minimize the impact of these tariffs and push for solutions. One of the most effective ways to strengthen Canada’s economy is to support domestic businesses and remove trade barriers between provinces. Right now, Alberta businesses face more restrictions selling within Canada than they do selling to the United States. That must change.
“Edmonton businesses are resilient, but resilience isn’t about waiting for someone else to fix the problem,” said Doug Griffiths, “It’s about taking action. We need all levels of government to step up, clear the roadblocks to interprovincial trade, and ensure businesses have the stability they need to grow and compete.”
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The Edmonton Chamber is pleased by the strong leadership shown by Premier Smith and our provincial government in responding to U.S. tariffs. We echo Alberta’s commitment to diplomatic efforts in the U.S. to reverse harmful trade policies, collaboration with other provinces and the federal government on a strategic tariff response, and the call to expand trade infrastructure and relationships globally to reduce reliance on a single market.
The Edmonton Chamber is on top of this issue. We are working with Chambers across Canada and the U.S. to keep businesses informed, advocate for open trade, and push for solutions that protect our economy. If your business is affected, reach out—we are here to support you. Statistics Canada has estimated that removing these barriers could boost Canada’s GDP by as much as seven percent, which could be worth $200 billion to our economy.
This is a critical moment, but Edmonton’s business community has faced challenges before. We will meet this one head-on, and we will come out stronger.
Last updated: February 3, 2025 at 2:53 PM MST
For further information or to discuss this issue, please contact:
Akanksha Bhatnagar, Director of Communications and Public Relations
Phone: 780-616-7153 | Email: abhatnagar@edmontonchamber.com
