They’re here.
American President Donald Trump’s executive order, which imposes 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs, with a lower 10 per cent levy on Canadian energy, came into effect as of this morning (March 4).
This decision has sparked a continental trade war, which will likely be felt closer to home.
“The Town of Innisfil is concerned with the new tariffs and what that means to us in terms of the cost of goods that we require to maintain service levels in Innisfil,” Mayor Lynn Dollin said Tuesday. “While we recognize these matters are beyond our control, the town is taking a closer look at our procurement practices to see how we can minimize any impacts. There has never been a better time to shop local and support Canadian businesses.”
Others are strongly encouraging the development of a sustainable, diversified local economy, calling that transition “essential.”
“This isn’t just about buying Canadian-made products,” says Barrie resident Andrew de Jong, founder of Just Simcoe, a marketplace dedicated to supporting local businesses, including many in Innisfil. “Canadian businesses are being priced out of their own markets by trade policies they have no control over. We can’t afford to be dependent on the decisions made outside our borders. The best way to take control is to invest in homegrown businesses and make intentional choices about where we spend our dollars.”
Every purchase made from a local business helps strengthen the area's economy, keeping more money close by and reducing reliance on foreign markets. Shopping local isn’t just about patriotism — it’s intended to build economic resilience and support jobs and families within the community, he said.
Meanwhile, Bradford West Gwillimbury’s economic development staff took initial steps more than a month ago to better understand how tariffs could affect the municipality, developing an online business survey, advocating with higher levels of government, and launching a webpage with resources and links to up-to-date information on the crisis.
“We understand the uncertainty that tariffs bring to (town) businesses,” Mayor James Leduc said recently. “Our team is committed to ensuring that our businesses remain resilient and competitive. By gathering feedback directly from our local businesses and collaborating with all levels of government, we can advocate effectively and explore every opportunity to mitigate any negative impacts. Together, we will face these challenges head-on and emerge even stronger.”
A tariff is a tax imposed by a country's government on imported goods.
In a statement Monday night, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Trump's tariffs are "unjustified" and Canada will retaliate with counter-tariffs and other measures.
Canada's response is to place immediate tariffs on $30 billion in goods, and tariffs on a remaining $125 billion worth of American products three weeks later.
"Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn, and should U.S. tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures," Trudeau said. "While we urge the U.S. administration to reconsider their tariffs, Canada remains firm in standing up for our economy, our jobs, our workers, and for a fair deal."
Others swiftly reacted to the tariffs as well. The LCBO website, for example, was temporarily pulled offline while employees removed American products from shelves.
And the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses has launched a webpage on the issue and is asking for feedback to help shape its advocacy efforts.
"Initially, the U.S. administration claimed these measures were necessary to address the flow of illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl, and illegal immigration, which it considers significant threats to national security. The president has also highlighted the trade deficit between the U.S. and Canada as a reason for the tariffs,” the organization said in a statement. “Canada has invested in increased enforcement at the border in an effort to satisfy the U.S. and prevent economic penalties. At this time, it remains unclear what additional steps Canada may need to take to permanently remove tariffs. While the initial agreement focused on border security, President Trump has suggested he is seeking broader economic concessions, though no details have been provided.”
— With files from the Associated Press