THUNDER BAY — Community partners are lining up to build support for local businesses in the face of a potential tariff war between Canada and the U.S.
The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission and the Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday they are compiling a list of city-based exporters and inviting them to participate in an online survey.
Among other questions, it asks what products they sell in the U.S., how President Donald Trump's proposed 25 per cent tariff would likely affect them, where they market their products in Canada, and how interprovincial trade barriers impede them.
Jamie Taylor, CEO of the CEDC, said knowing the local challenges will be helpful in communications with the federal and Ontario governments.
"We can gather that information, speak to both governments about what those concerns are, so as they're looking at relief packages or programs to help companies pivot, we can share specific information about businesses in our community so that hopefully will have an impact on what's being offered."
Taylor said if Trump ultimately imposes tariffs, "Thunder Bay is not going to be immune to this. We're going to feel the impact."
She said the forestry sector is the biggest concern at this point, but added "There are smaller manufacturing companies as well, and things that you wouldn't even think about. There could be just a local shop that ships a lot of things to the U.S. It's actually quite surprising."
Taylor said the CEDC will continue to provide information to local businesses on programs and supports as they become available.
She said the commission has already heard from companies that source part of their supply chain, right down to basic items such as bags, in the U.S., and is trying to help them find a supplier locally or elsewhere in Canada.
"We can offer them advisory services. We are thinking about whether there is something else, like a program that we should be launching. Just having those discussions, we want to make sure what we're doing is informed by what their actual needs are, and we're not making assumptions."
The City of Thunder Bay, too, is stepping up its advocacy for local businesses.
"We are also consolidating our list of U.S. vendors and suppliers, and will carefully consider our options for U.S.-awarded contracted services, supplies and equipment as this situation unfolds," City Manager John Collin said.
Residents, as well, are being called on to prioritize local businesses and to purchase Canadian-made products.
"Our Choose Canada First initiative aims to showcase the amazing local businesses that fuel our economy," said Charla Robinson, president of the Chamber of Commerce.
Canadian-made products can be found online at madeinca.ca .
