The Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce is joining calls from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the federal government to fight against new tariffs imposed on Canadian businesses.

On July 20, United States President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on a variety of imports to the US, scheduled to take effect on August 19, 2026. The tariffs will affect over 500 types of products, including:

– Beer, wine, cider, spirits
– Honey and other sugars
– Make-up and perfume
– A variety of plastic, hides, leather, harnesses, cases and luggage
– Various saw blades, cutting shears, and othe tools
– Forest sector items including solid wood products, engineered wood panels, pulp, and paper

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says his federal government will do “whatever it takes” to support Canadian businesses and fight against these new tariffs, as Canadian premiers are gathering to discuss how to respond to President Trump.

“Let me be clear: Canada will do whatever it takes to defend and support Canadian workers, farmers, businesses and families,” said Carney, in his opening public remarks on July 23, 2026.

President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Daniel Tisch, says these tariffs are another needless escalation of Trump’s ongoing trade war with Canada.

“This is another needless, reckless escalation in Trump’s unilateral trade war. Canadian and American businesses alike are tired of this endless cycle of threats, retaliation, and uncertainty. Tariffs are taxes on growth,” said Tisch.

“They mean higher costs, disrupted supply chains, delayed investment decisions, and increased pressure on workers, businesses, and communities on both sides of the border,” Tisch adds.

The KDCC notes that FedNor has made a $500 million Regional Tariff Response Initiative available to support businesses impacted by American tariffs throughout all sectors of the region’s economy, as well as a $1 billion program through the Business Development Bank of Canada.

More information on these programs can be found HERE.