Calgary business leaders express concern over potential tariffs from Trump, fearing economic fallout for Alberta and its small businesses.
Ruhee Ismail-Teja, the chamber’s VP, says this is a big deal. She points out that many states rely on Canada for trade, and both countries are already feeling inflation’s pinch.
She warns that these tariffs would raise prices on everyday items, making life tougher for families. It’s not easy for anyone to absorb those costs.
Small businesses would take a big hit too, with 42% of Canadian exports to the U.S. coming from them. Alberta, with its many small businesses, would feel the impact across the board.
Ismail-Teja emphasizes that Alberta is very trade-dependent, and while energy is often in the spotlight, agriculture is also crucial.
Premier Danielle Smith recently announced that Alberta won’t join other provinces in a united response to the tariff threats. She’s against export tariffs on energy and other products.
This decision followed a meeting in Ottawa aimed at showing solidarity among leaders. To counter Trump’s threats, Smith even met with him at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend.
Trump plans to implement these tariffs soon after taking office, claiming they’re part of a broader strategy to exert economic pressure on Canada.
The federal government hasn’t shared its response plan yet, waiting to see Trump’s actions first. Ismail-Teja estimates that a 25% tariff could cost Canada nearly $100 billion and impact 9% of the country’s GDP.
