The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is predicting Windsor-Essex will be the third most impacted in Canada by tariffs imposed by the U.S. In response to the potential trade disruption, the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce (WERCC) and Invest WindsorEssex have launched a Windsor-Essex Economic Trade Task Force (Windsor-Essex ETTF). According to WERCC, it brings together local businesses, leaders, and community stakeholders, acting as a unified voice for economic development and trade in Windsor-Essex. It aims to collect, coordinate, and disseminate information on strategies and programs to provide relief to the impact of tariffs. “The Windsor-Essex ETTF is committed to supporting the economic interests of the region through a coordinated and responsive approach,” said Ryan Donally, president and CEO of the WERCC. “By fostering collaboration and providing timely updates, the task force aims to enhance economic resilience and growth within Windsor-Essex.” The task force will take local input and community engagement and provide valuable insights through diverse communication channels, provide up-to-date resources, support programs, and relevant information, submit recommendations to government bodies, highlight the impact of economic developments on local businesses and industries, and advocate for supportive measures to relevant government agencies. “Invest WindsorEssex is committed to fostering a strong and competitive business environment for our region,” said Keith Andrews, strategic advisor to the board and chief operating officer for Invest WindsorEssex. “The Windsor-Essex Economic Trade Task Force will play a vital role in ensuring that businesses have the necessary resources and support to navigate the current trade challenges. By working collaboratively with our partners, we will advocate for policies and solutions that protect jobs, increase productivity and global competitiveness, and sustain economic growth in Windsor-Essex.” To keep up to date with the Windsor-Essex ETTF, you can visit WEtarifftaskforce.com as the task force develops an online resource offering up to date information, resources, supports, and contacts. In modelling from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Business Data Lab shows the average Canadian will lose around $1,900 annually. In the U.S., the average person will lose around $1,300. “Tariffs are a lose-lose,” said Stephen Tapp, chief economist at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “They would raise business costs, reduce North America’s international competitiveness, and ultimately increase consumer prices at a time when Canadians and Americans are both struggling with significant affordability challenges.” In Chatham-Kent, agriculture and its agri-food system is key and contributes around $4 billion, according to the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce. The greenhouse industry alone exports 90 per cent of its products. “The impact of tariffs extends beyond just agricultural products,” said B.J. Griffiths, board chair of the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce. “Tariffs on steel, aluminum, and energy significantly increase input costs for our manufacturers and agricultural producers, hindering their competitiveness. We will see broadening of tariffs increase building costs, and delay capital returns on new investment potentially delaying or cancelling those investments.” He added the chamber will support Chatham-Kent navigate the challenges and advocate for policies that support open and fair trade.
