February 2rd, 2025, Delta, BC | On Saturday, US President Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian imports and a 10% levy on Canadian energy, effective 12:01 am EST on Tuesday, February 4. In response, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada will impose a 25% tariff on $30 billion worth of American goods starting Tuesday, followed by an additional $125 billion on American products in 21 days. This phased approach is designed to give Canadian businesses time to adjust.
These new tariffs create significant uncertainty. They will raise costs for everyone—individuals, families, and businesses alike. Local Delta businesses across manufacturing, transportation, distribution, and retail will be hit hard. As will other sectors. They will face increased costs, reduced demand, disruptions to supply chains, and the effects of a weaker Canadian dollar.
In these challenging times, it is vital that Delta, and all of Canada, stand united. We recognize that the impact of these tariffs will extend beyond businesses. Rising prices, job losses, and strained cross-border relationships will affect us all. It is more important than ever that we support each other. Local businesses are the backbone of our economy, and by choosing to shop Canadian and local, Delta residents can play a crucial role in sustaining our economy and supporting our community.
But beyond supporting local, we must also look ahead to long-term solutions. Now is the time to grow the Canadian economy both interprovincially and internationally. This requires accelerating project approvals, getting critical infrastructure built, diversifying our markets, adopting new technologies, and breaking down interprovincial trade barriers. We need to implement policies that focus on growing our economy, supporting the sale of B.C. products, and incentivizing investment into our province.
The Delta Chamber of Commerce remains committed to advocating for and supporting our local businesses. Together, we will work to strengthen the resiliency of our economy and face these challenges with determination. We will continue to respond to this dynamic business landscape.
The Delta Chamber of Commerce is a member-based organization of businesses and professional people in the federal electoral district of Delta (City of Delta and Tsawwassen First Nation) which has served to promote its members’ collective commercial interests since 1910. As The Voice of Business in Delta, the Chamber works as a trusted convener and connector to build a thriving local economy through fostering economic development and influencing public policy at all levels of government - all to ensure healthy and prosperous businesses and communities.