FORT McMURRAY — The Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce is helping local businesses prepare for new Canadian counter-tariffs on U.S. goods by providing trade updates, support information and an online impact survey.
The federal government will impose tariffs of 15, 25 and 50 per cent on $27.6 billion in American imports beginning Sept. 8. Ottawa says the measures will match U.S. tariffs dollar for dollar and rate for rate.
The counter-tariffs will target products in sectors including steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics.
Goods facing the 50 per cent rate include some steel and aluminum products, furniture, clothing and apparel. Appliances, dairy products and some steel and aluminum derivatives will be subject to the 25 per cent rate.
The measures respond to a 50 per cent U.S. tariff imposed Aug. 22 on $27.6 billion in Canadian goods. Existing Canadian counter-tariffs, including those covering automobiles, will remain in place.
The federal government has also announced $7.5 billion in new and expanded support for workers and businesses affected by the trade dispute.
The package includes $1.5 billion for small- and medium-sized businesses through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative and $500 million in new financing through the Business Development Bank of Canada.
Another $2 billion will support tariff-affected businesses pursuing capital projects and market diversification, while $3.5 billion will fund income assistance, employee training and workforce-retention measures.
The Chamber says Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has indicated the province will continue consulting businesses and industry to determine whether additional provincial assistance is required.
The organization has also launched a survey asking Wood Buffalo businesses how tariffs are affecting costs, supply chains and future planning. It says the responses will inform its advocacy and discussions with governments and other chambers of commerce.
Businesses can review the updates and complete the survey through the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce trade information page. The federal government has also published its complete list of U.S. products subject to counter-tariffs.
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