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From the Desk of Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
A Partnership Worth Saving: Why U.S.-Canada Tariffs Are a Threat to Us All
Imagine this: a long-standing marriage built on mutual trust, shared goals, and the daily work of supporting one another. This is the kind of relationship that Canada and the United States have enjoyed for decades. A marriage of two neighbors that has fostered economic growth, created millions of jobs, and supported families on both sides of the border. But now, in less than 24 hours that partnership stands at the brink of crisis. The looming threat of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods is a divorce that threatens to shatter something irreplaceable.
The Stakes in Numbers
When we work together, we thrive. But when we divide ourselves with tariffs, the greatest economic union in the world begins to unravel. The numbers tell a stark story:
- The U.S. GDP would shrink by 1.6%, a loss of approximately USD $467 billion.
- Canada’s GDP would shrink by 2.6%, a loss of approximately CAD $78 billion.
Canada is not just the U.S.’s neighbor; it is its largest export market, accounting for $300 billion in goods annually. Canada supports the U.S. economy nationwide, benefiting states as far-flung as Florida and Mississippi, not just border states like Michigan and Montana. Altogether, 3.7 million jobs are supported by exports and investments between our two nations — 2.3 million in Canada and 1.4 million in the U.S. This partnership is too vital to be sacrificed.
The Stakes for People
Tariffs don’t just hit businesses; they hit people where it matters most: in their wallets. At a time when affordability is already stretched thin, tariffs on Canadian goods would make everyday life even harder.
- The average American would lose USD $1,300 annually.
- The average Canadian would lose CAD $1,900 annually.
From the food on your table to the cars on our roads to the energy that heats our homes, tariffs will raise costs for families. These aren’t just abstract economic consequences; they are real, painful impacts that will be felt in neighborhoods across North America. This isn’t a “win-lose” scenario. It’s a lose-lose proposition that threatens jobs, disrupts livelihoods, and sends shockwaves through every sector of the economy.
A Call to Stay Together
In a world that is grappling with uncertainty, from climate challenges to geopolitical tensions, we cannot afford to jeopardize one of the most successful partnerships in history. Canada and the U.S. share more than a border; we share values, goals, and a commitment to building a better future for our citizens. Our economic relationship, with $3.6 billion in daily trade, has proven that we are stronger together. Let’s not throw that away.
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