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 close talks and a three-day extension, the White House imposed a 50% tariff on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods, including steel, aluminum, and auto exports.
Kimberly Turner-Briscoe, the president of a Scarborough-based steel fastener supplier and distributor, expressed her struggles and tough decisions made due to the ongoing trade war initiated by Trump. While disappointed by the tariffs, she commended negotiators for walking away from what she deemed a bad deal.
Statistics Canada reported that the goods affected by the new tariffs represent about nine percent of Ontario’s total exports to the U.S. in 2025. Prime Minister Carney criticized the U.S.’s proposed terms as economically unsound and unfair, leading Canada to announce retaliatory tariffs after Labour Day across various sectors, including dairy, steel, paper, and electronics.
Lana Payne, the national president of Unifor, supported the government’s decision to walk away from the negotiations, emphasizing the need for unity among Canadians to combat the challenges ahead. Ontario Premier Doug Ford echoed similar sentiments, urging unity and resilience in the face of the imposed tariffs.
Giles Gherson from the Toronto Region Board of Trade warned of the detrimental impact the tariffs would have on jobs and investments in the region, urging coordinated action from provincial and federal authorities. Turner-Briscoe noted a shift towards local purchases among Canadians, emphasizing the importance of reducing dependency on the U.S.
Mayor Olivia Chow of Toronto encouraged residents to support local businesses amidst the tariffs, emphasizing the city’s commitment to creating new jobs. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown emphasized the need for solidarity and resilience, highlighting the potential consequences of a failed deal on Canadian workers and businesses.
Experts predict a significant cost to Canadians due to the trade war, with potential repercussions such as higher prices, increased unemployment, and business closures. Despite the challenges, there is hope for a return to negotiations to secure a favorable deal for Canada and Ontario.
