Lethbridge Chamber calls for stronger Canadian trade resilience following new U.S. tariffs

The Chamber says our regional economy is deeply connected through agriculture, agri-food processing, manufacturing, transportation, construction and energy. The organization says businesses that do not export directly to the United States may still rely on American equipment, components and inputs, or supply Canadian companies whose products ultimately enter the U.S. market.

“Trade uncertainty does not stop at the border. It works its way through supply chains and ultimately reaches local businesses making decisions about hiring, investment, expansion and growth,” said Cyndi Crane, President & CEO of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, in a press release Monday. “Southern Alberta businesses need stability, predictable market access and the ability to compete.”

Alberta’s Position

Chamber officials in Lethbridge say Alberta remains one of Canada’s most trade-dependent provinces, with the United States representing the overwhelming majority of the province’s international merchandise exports.

The organization notes that while Alberta’s energy sector is currently excluded from the latest 50 per cent tariff measures, the Chamber cautions against interpreting that exemption as insulation from the broader economic consequences of an escalating trade dispute.

Officials highlight that selected agricultural, processed and manufactured goods are affected, while retaliatory measures, changing supply chains and continued uncertainty have the potential to increase costs and influence future investment throughout the province.

“Alberta may be affected differently than Ontario or Quebec, but we are not disconnected from what happens elsewhere in Canada,” said Crane. “Our provincial economies and supply chains are interconnected. A disruption to manufacturing in Ontario, aluminum in Quebec, forestry in British Columbia or agriculture on the Prairies ultimately affects Canada’s overall competitiveness.”

Strengthening Trade Within Canada

The Chamber believes the current trade environment also reinforces the need for Canada to accelerate the removal of interprovincial trade barriers.

Through its policy, Alberta’s Role in Enhancing Interprovincial Collaboration and Strengthening Alberta’s Global Trade and Investment Presence, the Lethbridge Chamber says it has advocated for greater regulatory alignment between provinces, mutual recognition of goods and services, improved labour mobility and stronger transportation and trade corridors.

“If it is becoming harder to trade north-south, it makes absolutely no sense to make it difficult to trade east-west,” said Crane. “Canada cannot control every trade decision made in Washington, but we can control the barriers we place between our own provinces.”

Chamber officials in Lethbridge say removing unnecessary internal trade barriers will not replace Canada’s relationship with the United States, but it can strengthen the domestic economy, provide businesses with greater access to Canadian markets and make the country more resilient when international trade relationships become uncertain.

The Chamber believes Alberta has an opportunity to continue leading this work by strengthening interprovincial partnerships and making it easier for businesses, goods and workers to move across provincial boundaries.

A Team Canada Response

The Lethbridge Chamber says the United States will remain an essential trading partner for southern Alberta, Alberta and Canada. Officials suggest maintaining that relationship while expanding domestic and international market opportunities must remain a national priority.

The Lethbridge Chamber says it supports a coordinated Team Canada approach that protects Canadian businesses, maintains critical North American supply chains and keeps Canada competitive as governments respond to the changing trade environment.

“This is bigger than one tariff or one industry,” said Crane. “Canada needs to think strategically about the economy we want to build beyond this dispute. That means defending our access to the U.S. market, strengthening trade within Canada, diversifying where we can and ensuring Canadian businesses have the conditions they need to compete.”

The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce says it will continue engaging with its members to understand the direct and indirect impacts of the U.S. tariffs on Southern Alberta businesses and will bring those concerns forward through its provincial and national advocacy networks.

by LNN Staff

Lethbridge Chamber calls for stronger Canadian trade resilience following new U.S. tariffs

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