The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce is conducting this survey to better understand how potential U.S. tariffs may impact our local business community. We are committed to advocating on behalf of all businesses, but we need your input to ensure we address the most pressing concerns.

Following a recent meeting with MP Lisa Marie Barron, MLA Stephanie Higginson, Chamber President Cheri Mactier, Chamber Executive Director Roberta Bowman,  LDBA President Brianne Mactier, it was agreed that gathering direct feedback from business owners is a crucial first step. The information collected will help guide our advocacy efforts at both the provincial and federal levels. Whether your business is a locally owned franchise, dependent on U.S. supply chains, or facing unique challenges due to these economic shifts, your voice matters. We encourage all business owners to participate and share their perspectives so that we can work together to protect and strengthen Ladysmith’s economy.

Step into the world of style and connections at Left Coast Fashion & Design! Get ready for an evening of networking that promises to elevate your business game. Mix and mingle with fellow Chamber Members and discover new opportunities to grow your network. Don’t miss out – bring a door prize to spotlight your business! Don’t forget your name tag and business cards—come ready to connect and make an impression!

You're invited to the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce 2025 AGM!

Join fellow Chamber Members, Directors, and Staff as we celebrate the milestones, hard work, and progress that have shaped the past year—and get a sneak peek at what’s ahead. Chamber Members in good standing can cast their votes, and nominations are open for 1 Board of Director position.

Plus, don’t miss our special guest speaker, Fiona Famulak, President & CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, sharing valuable insights!

Bio: Fioana Famulak, CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce 

DATE: Thursday, April 10, 2025

TIME: 5pm – 7pm (doors open at 4:30)

LOCATION: Microtel by Wyndham Oyster Bay

COST: $50+GST Per Person for Chamber Members

REGISTER BELOW by Friday, April 04 2024

Menu: Lemon Artichoke Chicken, Island Salad, Rice Pilaf, Seasoned Mixed Veggies, Dessert, Tea/Coffee

Cash Bar

Join Us for the 16th Annual Ladysmith Chamber Golf Classic!

Get ready for a fantastic day, good company, and plenty of fun at Cottonwood Golf Course on Friday, June 13, 2025! Whether you're playing for the love of the game, enjoying a day with friends collegues, or looking to showcase your business as a sponsor, this tournament is the perfect way to connect and enjoy a fantastic day on the greens.

• Early Bird Special – Register your team by May 13, 2025 for exclusive savings!
• Register your team for a memorable round.
• Sponsorship opportunities available to highlight your business.
• Donate a prize and be part of the excitement!
• Date: Friday, June 13, 2025
• Location: Cottonwood Golf Course

Don’t miss out—sign up, sponsor, or donate today!

The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to welcome our newest members! We remain committed to fostering connections among our members and within the broader community.

Take a moment to greet them—visit their website, send a friendly email, or drop by in person to introduce yourself. Your warm welcome and personal outreach will help our Chamber continue to flourish and strengthen our vibrant network.

Concept Refrigeration Ltd.

Vancouver islands trusted hvac services…

COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION, HVAC AND HEATING/COOLING SOLUTIONS FOR YOU.

Servicing Central Vancouver island Covering Comox – Cobble Hill

Location: Ladysmith, BC

Phone: 250-619-6633

Email  | Website

The Mindful Gardeners

The Mindful Gardeners provide full-service outdoor maintenance, from lawn care and hedge management to snow clearing. We serve residential and commercial clients, offering flexible options for one-time jobs or ongoing care.

Contact: Matt Gatehouse

Phone: (250) 252-3933

Email | Website

New Economic Development Cowichan - Navigating Tariffs Resource Page

With shifting U.S. trade policies and tariffs affecting supply chains, many Cowichan businesses will face new challenges when it comes to importing, exporting, and staying competitive in international markets. To help local businesses navigate these complexities, we've launched a Navigating Tariffs & Trade Resource Page— a one-stop hub for understanding how tariffs impact your operations and what support is available. This page is curated to provide you with the tools, information, and support you need to make informed decisions.

This resource includes:

• Insights into how the U.S tariffs affect businesses in BC and across Canada
•  Resources for understanding trade agreements and compliance
• Access to financial and advisory support programs for businesses engaged in cross-border trade
• Information on navigating disputes and finding solutions

With insights from Export Development Canada and other key resources, this page provides practical tools to help businesses manage risks and identify opportunities despite changing trade policies.

This guide is an essential resource if your business is impacted by U.S. tariffs or you want to stay informed about evolving trade regulations.

Town of Ladysmisth Issues Statement Regarding U.S. Tariffs on Canada

With the United States implementing large-scale tariffs on Canada today, it is no secret that challenging times lie ahead, not just for Ladysmith, but for Vancouver Island and the nation as a whole.

That is why, on behalf of Council, I urge residents to shop local and buy Canadian whenever possible. Ladysmith is home to a rich array of businesses that are essential to the health of our charming community — and now, more than ever, they deserve your support.

The Town of Ladysmith is firmly committed to prioritizing local businesses and Canadian vendors wherever possible. The Town's purchasing policy prioritizes vendors that promote job creation within the local area, defined as the Cowichan Valley Regional District and the Regional District of Nanaimo, and contribute to a stronger local economy.

Ladysmith has faced its share of economic hardships throughout its history. Whether it’s been the Great Strike of 1912–1914, the Great Depression, the Great Recession, or the COVID-19 pandemic, our community has always found the strength to unite, support one another, and rise above the challenge — emerging stronger each time.

As we face adversity once again, I implore everyone in our community to come together and support each other.

We will get through this Ladysmith, we always have.

- Tricia McKay, Acting Mayor

BC Chamber of Commerce Statement on Budget 2025

Budget 2025 was unveiled in unprecedented challenging times. The context in which our province and nation are operating has fundamentally changed overnight.



Today’s budget is sobering for both businesses and British Columbians. It does not deliver the economic incentives, tax changes, programs or policy shifts that are required to kick-start our economy and which we have been advocating for since before the last election.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Statement on U.S. Decision to Imposte 25% Tariffs

Today’s reckless decision by the U.S. administration is forcing Canada and the U.S. toward recessions, job losses and economic disaster.

The U.S. government’s self-defeating tariff policy disregards decades of success and trillions in trade to try and revive a failed economic model from the 1800s. Tariffs are a tax on the American people. Rather than bringing back affordability or creating a “golden age” for business, tariffs will cost consumers at the checkout, cost producers more at every point along the supply chain, and force businesses to find alternate suppliers that are less reliable than Canadian ones. 

The U.S. can claim this policy is about hitting Canada where it hurts, but it will soon see the disastrous impacts at home in cities like Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Louisville. The U.S. can save its people from pain by stopping to reassess, as it did in 2018 when it realized the true cost of steel and aluminum tariffs was paid by American manufacturers. 

As for us, now is the time to double down on protecting our economic sovereignty and security. Recent announcements from the federal and provincial governments on internal trade are steps in the right direction, but what we do in this moment can’t be incremental, it must be transformational. To build a resilient, self-reliant and future-proof economy, we need to diversify our trade partners, revamp the tax and regulatory system, and do even more to streamline internal trade. 

Canada is resource and talent rich. Our economic future is ours to determine — it’s time to join our economic strategy with concrete action to not only minimize the short-term damage but to chart a more prosperous path long-term. 

Candace Laing, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce