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Dear Members and Partners,
The Fort Saskatchewan & Lamont County Regional Chamber of Commerce continues to actively monitor the evolving trade situation with the United States and remains in close contact with our peers across the provincial and national chamber network, including the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC). The CCC, in particular, is in direct consultation with federal government officials as Canada navigates current trade discussions with the U.S. administration. This is a volatile and fast-changing environment—one that impacts businesses across virtually every sector. It requires resilience, adaptability, and clear communication. The Canadian side has so far signalled a measured approach, resisting pressure to fast-track any deal, and instead prioritizing a trade agreement that firmly protects Canadian interests.
You can read the CCC’s official statement regarding the U.S. President’s imposition of 35% tariffs here: Visit Link
At this time, we are asking local businesses—small, medium, and large—to connect with us to share how these developments are affecting your operations. Your input will be relayed to the CCC and, by extension, to federal decision-makers. Hearing directly from our business community is vital to shaping a response that reflects on-the-ground realities.
We’re also sharing the official response from the Federal Government which can be found on their official website: Visit Link
Although the tariffs continue to pose challenges for Canadian businesses, there are other notable issues which are equally important to track. Here are more statements provided to us from CCC on two recent events:
CCC Statement on Possible Air Canada Flight Attendants Strike
"Reliable air transportation is vital to Canadians and the Canadian economy. Every day, more than 130,000 people fly with Air Canada for personal, business and tourism reasons. Air travel also plays a critical role in internal and international trade being the transportation mode of choice for high-value and time-sensitive cargo. Almost half of Canadian pharmaceuticals that are shipped by air travel on Air Canada. Agriculture and perishable food products, and parts and machinery for small and medium-sized Canadian manufacturers will be impacted. There is little doubt that the impact of a labour disruption at Air Canada will be felt by all Canadians.
At a time when Canada is facing unprecedented economic challenges and trade uncertainty, a service disruption would interrupt air cargo connectivity, directly impacting Canadian businesses that are working to diversify their customers in provinces across the country. The impact on business will be felt internationally too, and would lead to losses for Canadian exporters, further compounding the impacts on industries throughout our economy.
At the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, we know the best deals happen when both sides sit down and negotiate in good faith at the bargaining table. This year, especially, the stakes of these negotiations are high, not just for flight attendants and Air Canada, but for workers at our airports and for the broader Canadian economy.
If parties cannot reach a negotiated agreement, the federal government should be ready to intervene to avoid a prolonged disruption to Canadian air travel and shipping. We urge the federal government and all parties to continue to put the best interests of our country’s businesses, workers, and communities at the forefront.
- David Pierce, Vice President, Government Relations, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
CCC Statement on China’s Provisional Anti-Dumping Duty on Canadian Canola
"Last summer, when the U.S. placed tariffs on China due to the country’s non-market practices, Canada aligned with our largest trading partner — but now it’s Canada’s agri-food industry that’s taking the brunt of China’s retaliation. Canada’s agri-food sector supplied 1 in 9 jobs in Canada, generated around 7% of Canada’s GDP, and exported nearly $100 billion worth of goods in 2023. It is a cornerstone of our economy and essential to Canadian prosperity.
The sector now needs concerted government support — especially with China’s provisional 75.8% anti-dumping duty on Canadian canola imports set to take effect later this week. We cannot leave our farmers and producers to face this challenge alone. We call on the federal government to work with American and Chinese counterparts toward a swift resolution. As we urged back in March, this support should include investment in transportation infrastructure to diversify exports into new markets, along with measures to reduce the tax and regulatory burdens facing Canadian agriculture.
Our countries all benefit most from a stable, predictable and rules-based trading environment."
- Candace Laing, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
The Fort Saskatchewan & Lamont County Regional Chamber of Commerce remains steadfast in our commitment to advocate on your behalf, provide timely updates, and support you however we can during this uncertain period.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email: director@fortsaskchamber.com
Sincerely,
Colin Fagnan
Executive Director
