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While the recent 30-day postponement of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and Canada’s retaliatory measures came as welcomed news to businesses, the lingering presence of these threats remain prompting the Chamber network to act using a variety of tactics, including advocacy, negotiation, education and promoting partnerships.

Trump’s demand for 25 per cent blanket tariffs on all Canadian goods, with the exception of a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy, and Canada’s proposed retaliatory tariffs on $155 billion of U.S. goods, has sent economic shockwaves through both nations prompting calls for action on both sides of the border.

To clearly map out the vital importance of the trading relationship between the two countries and the risks businesses face, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab has introduced the Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker —a new tool designed to illustrate the ties between the two economies. It notes that $3.6 billion in goods crosses the Canada-U.S. border daily, generating a $1.3 trillion annual trade relationship.

"A 30-day delay means more time for Canadian businesses and governments to drive home the point that tariffs make no sense between the two closest allies the world has ever known,” said Candace Laing, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in a release. “The Canadian Chamber, our network and businesses across the country will spend every day of it fighting hard to secure this historic, robust trading relationship. Raising the cost of living for Americans and Canadians with these taxes is the wrong move. Canada and the U.S. make things together, and we should in fact be building on that.”

Call to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers

It is a sentiment echoed by her colleagues at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce who have rallied their members, which includes the Cambridge Chamber, in a show of unity and strength and targeted actions including supporting a unified call for Canadian premiers to quickly dismantle interprovincial trade barriers and the creation of a business and trade leadership coalition.

Called the Ontario Business & Trade Leadership Coalition (OBTLC), it aims to unit leaders from key trade-dependent sectors to champion business-driven solutions, advocate for effective government policies, and solidify Ontario’s position as a global leader in trade.

“President Trump has claimed the U.S. doesn’t need Canada – but we are here to show just how invaluable we are. Ontario businesses are stepping up to safeguard our economy and reinforce our global competitiveness,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, in a release. “The Ontario Business & Trade Leadership Coalition represents a united response – a coalition of industry leaders committed to resilience, collaboration, and growth.”

BestWR brings business groups together

But the fight to ward off economic turmoil caused by these tariff threats has also been ramped up locally, says Cambridge Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Greg Durocher, through the revival of a unique partnership created during the pandemic to assist businesses.

“We created the Business Economic Support Team of Waterloo Region (BestWR) during COIVD-19 consisting of organizations that are fundamentally engaged in the economic activities through business in the region and have brought it back as a support mechanism for local businesses with respect to trade,” he explains. “It was created during the pandemic, but this is now really about a united force of business organizations helping local businesses navigate these turbulent trade waters.”

Besides the Cambridge and Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chambers, BestWR also includes Waterloo EDC, Communitech and Explore Waterloo Region.

“We are engaged right now with regional municipalities to create opportunities whereby we can offer a support role in helping local businesses find local or Canadian suppliers, or to expose local businesses to the products they currently manufacture or sell and may be able to find Canadian customers for,” says Greg, noting BestWR also has strong federal and provincial connections which they will use to assist businesses.

“We have the insight to be able to tap into key levers within provincial government and within the federal government to have input on what potential supports those governments may need to provide businesses to keep them moving through this turmoil.”

Ask the Expert returns

As a further measure to assist, both the Cambridge and KW Chambers have revived their online tool 'Ask the Expert'.

These weekly Zoom calls - created during the pandemic to provide business leaders with current information – will now provide an opportunity for manufacturers and businesses in the region who export to the U.S. to ask questions.

“We will invite various experts to take part in the one-hour call, and hopefully get some answers to their questions and help them keep their business humming along and doing the things they need to do to support their employees,” says Greg.

'Ask the Expert' will take place every Thursday, between 9-10 a.m.

“This all about businesses,” he says. “And how do we navigate the turbulent challenges ahead and make it a win for Canadian businesses.”

The Chambers have also revamped the chambercheck website (which offered timely resources for businesses during the pandemic) to provide a growing list of trade-related resources to inform and assist businesses.

Reasons for businesses to remain confident and optimistic:

Economic Resilience

Canadian businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of past economic challenges. Our diverse economy and strong trade relationships beyond the United States provide a buffer against potential disruptions.

United Response

The Canadian government, provincial leaders, and business organizations like your local Chamber of Commerce are presenting a united front in response to this threat. This co-ordinated approach strengthens our negotiating position and demonstrates our commitment to protecting Canadian interests.

Potential for Internal Growth

For years the Chamber network has been encouraging the government of Canada to remove interprovincial trade barriers and unlock the economic prosperity lying dormant in these archaic policies. This situation presents an opportunity to address long-standing interprovincial trade barriers and by removing them boost Canada's economy by up to $200 billion per year, potentially offsetting the impact of U.S. tariffs.

Mutual Economic Interests

It's important to remember that the proposed tariffs would also significantly harm the U.S. economy. American businesses and consumers would face higher costs and reduced competitiveness, which could lead to pressure on the U.S. administration to reconsider this approach. 

Time for Preparation

With the proposed tariffs not set to take effect until at least March 1, there is time for diplomatic efforts and for businesses to prepare contingency plans as we work our business contacts and channels to influence key stakeholders in the U.S.

Leveraging Canadian Assets

Canada continues to highlight its valuable assets that are strategically important to the U.S., including:

• Energy resources
• Critical minerals
• Nuclear power capabilities
• AI research excellence
• Lumber and building materials
• Automotive
• Agriculture

By emphasizing these assets, Canada is demonstrating that doing business with us is not just beneficial but strategically smarter than alternatives.

Government Support

The Canadian government has a track record of supporting businesses during trade disputes. We can expect measures to be put in place to assist affected industries if the tariffs are implemented.

Life can be very unpredictable, something Melanie McCallum quickly learned in November of 2019 when she became faced with a medical crisis.

“A few months earlier, I had just celebrated my 50th birthday and was looking forward to spending the holidays with my family,” says the Cambridge mother of two. “Then I found a pea-sized lump in my right breast and life changed. It was cancer.”

Suddenly, Melanie had joined the ranks of thousands of Canadian women and some men, who are diagnosed annually with breast cancer. In fact, according to the Canadian Cancer Society, 30,500 Canadian women were expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024 which represents 25% of all new cancer cases in women.

While friends and colleagues urged her to seek treatment at various Ontario hospitals, Melanie says the first surgeon she met after her diagnosis recommended Cambridge Memorial Hospital to find the quality care she needed.

Program vital for CMH cancer care

“She (surgeon) was absolutely right. I have lived in Cambridge for about 21 years and when I got diagnosed, I had no idea that we had cancer treatment right here in Cambridge,” says Melanie, who underwent chemo treatments and a double mastectomy, followed by seven and half hours of reconstruction surgery through the CMH Breast Reconstruction Program. 

The program is a vital component of CMH’s cancer care treatment and has continually evolved to provide patients access to the latest advancements, such as in May of 2024 when the first Diagonal Upper Gracilis (DUG) free flap breast reconstruction surgery in the Region was performed in Cambridge.

“It offers a choice to patients who may not be candidates for the more common DIEP free flap surgery, empowering them to avoid implants and utilize their own tissue,” stated surgeon Dr. Kathryn Sawa, who performed the milestone procedure, in a CMH media release at the time.

The Chamber has long since recognized the importance of the breast reconstruction program and what it means for local healthcare which is why since 2008 has donated 100% of the proceeds from the silent auction at its annual Salute to Women in Business Networking Lunch to this worthy cause.

To date, this effort has raised $130,000 for the program with a fundraising goal set for this year of $11,000. The event this year, featuring Spa Dent founder and CEO Marcia Hilliard-Baird as keynote speaker, takes place Jan. 22 at Tapestry Hall.

Quality healthcare boosts community

“We couldn’t have done any of this without the support of many local businesses and individuals who donate auction items,” says Cambridge Chamber President and CEO Greg Durocher. “Having an outstanding facility like CMH is vital for the overall prosperity of our community because businesses are attracted to places that have strong local healthcare.”

Staying local was a key factor, says Melanie, who feared a future filled with difficult trips to Toronto, Hamilton, or London, to seek treatment but was reassured by CMH that it had the best equipment and doctors available to help.

“It was convenient for me and my family to get the treatment and surgeries. My family could visit me and still get home end of day— we did not have the added expense of travelling to other cities, including fuel, parking, dinners, and hotel stays,” she says. “While it may seem like small expenses at first, they add up quick.”

To add even an extra layer of difficulty, her treatment took place during COVID which often meant undergoing hospital visits alone. She says being close to home at CMH made the situation easier.

‘I owe my life to them’

“In the mornings, my kids would drop me off the hospital and spend some time with me, and my husband would pick me up on his way home from work,” says Melanie. “I couldn’t imagine my treatment if I had to visit Hamilton or Toronto. I wouldn’t have family close by supporting me. With my work too, during my breast reconstruction surgery, I had clients stop by and visit also, which was great.”

She also was grateful for the care she received from CMH staff, especially the work of her surgeons Dr. Sawa and Dr. Heather MacLeod.

“They are caring, kind and compassionate. I owe my life to them,” says Melanie, who wishes the age limit for mammograms would be dropped even lower. “Forty is a great a start, but I would prefer it to go down to thirty because there are lots of women that I know who are being diagnosed with cancer in their late twenties and thirties. As a community, we need to have more conversations around screening and self-screening of breast cancer. Women should know more about mastectomy, both pros and cons, way in advance rather than when someone is diagnosed. It is more common than it is talked about.”

Please click here to donate a silent auction item at our event. 

Breast cancer facts from the Canadian Cancer Society:

• 30,500 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This represents 25% of all new cancer cases in women in 2024.
• 5,500 Canadian women will die from breast cancer. This represents 13% of all cancer deaths in women in 2024.
• On average, 84 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every day.
• On average, 15 Canadian women will die from breast cancer every day.
• 290 Canadian men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 60 will die from breast cancer.

The holiday shopping season has begun, and retailers are hoping for the best despite the fact consumer indicators have been painting a less than perfect picture of the weeks to come. In fact, according to Deloitte Canada’s 2023 Holiday Retail Outlook, Canadians are expected to spend at least $1,300 over the holidays representing an 11% drop from last year. 

But how these dire predictions will affect them in 2024 remains to be seen.

“I think in 2024 retailers will be facing an awful lot of pressure on inventory management and cashflows just because of the interest rate problems,” says Brad Davis, Associate Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, who specializes in consumer behaviour and trends. “I think retailers are going to have a real deal seeking consumer base who are going to want deals, and that again cuts into their margins and can play havoc with inventory turnover.”

He says like the past couple of years, effective retail management will be required noting that consumers, in general, don’t really pay attention to consumer indicators.

“We’re not very good a judging what is a good deal or what is good value,” says Brad, noting that many consumers are very susceptible to perceived ‘sales’. “We have this whole apparatus that is designed to stimulate impulse purchasing.”

To encourage more in-store shopping, which has been facing turmoil as anti-theft measures and store closures detract from the customer experience, retail experts insist consumers must be provided exclusive products and deals or fun, and experiences they can’t find online. 

However, Brad says the true definition of what that special ‘customer experience’ is can be hard to pinpoint.

“Experts can never seem to quite define what this is,” he jokes, adding a positive in-store environment with expediated delivery and payments, and return policies should play a role. “We used to just call it good customer service. But for most consumers, when you talk to them about what they think is a good experience it’s ‘Can I find stuff easy?’, ‘I want to be able to check in and out fast’, ‘I don’t want salespeople bugging me unless I need help’. It’s sort of fairly basic.”

He says customer mapping is also something to consider, noting that online searching can lead consumers to physical stores. Industry experts often refer to the omnichannel approach where consumers may start their search in one place and make their purchase in another and encourage retailers in 2024 to learn where their audience is discovering products and where they are buying them.

“There is still a huge social component of shopping in a mall, particularly with younger generations,” says Brad, noting that humans still crave that ‘tactile’ physical encounter. “You have a generation of young people who is always going to gravitate to that sense of immediate gratification.”

He says the key for retailers going forward is to remain flexible in their approach to conducting business.

“Something that worked before and got you where you are now does not mean it’s going to get you where you need to go next,” says Brad. “Things are just happening so fast in multiple directions, and you have to be open to rethink and revisit what you thought was truth before.”

Released this past fall, the 6th annual RCC X Leger Holiday Shopping Survey from Retail Council of Canada (RCC) unveils the evolving shopping patterns of more than 2,500 Canadians: 

A few findings:

• Savvy Shopping in Spotlight: Economic apprehensions, including inflation and rising living costs, weigh on many. Accordingly, 88% (vs 83% in 2022) of Canadians are turning to proactive holiday shopping tactics, most notably hunting for sales (52%), preparing in advance (41%), and adhering to a precise budget (40%).
• Retailer Selection: To help shoppers decide which retailers to buy from this year, Canadians are prioritizing holiday sales/promotions (66%) and free shipping (55%). They are also looking for in-store exclusives (48%) and distinct online promotions (60%) to provide additional value.
• Shopping Experiences Enhancers: In-store shopping will benefit from value bundles (26%) and product sampling (25%). Conversely, online shopping will be amplified by unique product offers and extended return policies, both at 33%.
• Lead Spending Categories: Clothing emerges as 2023’s frontrunner, constituting 17% of the holiday budget, followed closely by home entertainment and essentials like food and alcohol grabbing 16% of the planned spend. 
• More Gift Cards:  45% of shoppers are leaning towards purchasing gift cards for others this season, with a notable 37% of Canadians (up from 32% last year) expressing a preference for receiving gift cards over traditional presents. Dining gift cards top the charts (42%), while big-box retailers come in at 33% and food outlets register at 27%.
• Local Shopping Upswing: Supporting local businesses this holiday has seen an increase in intent, with 82% of Canadians accentuating its importance, a leap from 74% last year.

Source: Canada News Wire

Our Chamber of Commerce over the years has not only learned how to pivot, but how to address the concerns, issues and needs of the small and medium-sized businesses in our community.

The events of the last few years have only strengthened our reason for being. We not only champion small and medium-sized businesses but are a source of information, guidance, and the most powerful connector there is.

We have now taken that connection to a new level thanks to ‘The Link’, a place where YOU, an SME business owner/manager can source solutions in a one-stop shop atmosphere. And since this is Small Business Week (Oct. 15-21), it's very important to always remember and celebrate the contributions SMEs make to our economy.

For the last seven months, our Chamber has undertaken this huge project (for us). To say we’re excited is a dramatic understatement because for you, we’ve invested and created an exciting, inspirational space that will not only knock your socks off but provide a place where you can share your troubles and find connections to help you navigate those issues that sometimes surface for every business.

At The Link you can source HR solutions, legal forms and information, access grant writing, and discover business services of all types that help you streamline, or even eliminate operational costs, and yes, of course, we also have direct access to financial resources only for business.

Another aspect to this renovation project is the creation of additional meeting spaces. We can now offer two boardrooms, one that can seat more than 20 and the other between eight and 10, plus a more informal meeting space for five and a private soundproof meeting “pod” also for up to five people. As well, have casual conversation areas and provide a wonderful coffee service.

The Link is modern, accessible, and a great place to have a coffee and share conversation all contained in little over 2,220-square-feet of prime real estate at Highway 401 and Hespeler Road.

Along with this incredibly cool and unique space comes some unbeatable programming to help you and your team get onside, get ramped up, and get excited for what comes next.

Programming at The Link has already been released and space is very limited, so you need to get in early and make sure there is a seat for you. Our Program Manager, (Amrita Gill), is already developing new and different ways for us to connect with meaning, with passion, and as always, with inspiring ideas.

The doors opened Oct. 1 and we already have some committed entities ready to set up shop at The Link, but there may still be room for you and your organization. Do you serve only small and medium-sized business? If so, send me a note and maybe, if all the checkmarks are in place, we may just have a spot for you at The Link, but you need to hurry. Yes, there is a cost because we are not a “funded” organization and our support comes from our membership.

Speaking of membership, did you know the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce has NOT increased its membership fees in more than 25 years? Talk about an inflation stopper, wow! That is what serving business means to us. We will always find ways to support you and now we are looking for your support to continue the work we do.

So please share your expertise with us and book a pod at The Link, or come in and get help from organizations and businesses that are here for you. Even better, drop in and enjoy a coffee, latte, cappuccino, espresso, or my personal favourite, a mochaccino. Hey, I might even buy you one. See you soon at The Link, 750 Hespeler Rd., the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.

While COVID-19 has created a uniquely difficult situation for Ontario’s municipalities, it has also exposed areas to improve municipal fiscal governance.

Local governments do not have the fiscal autonomy they need to make them competitive and maintaining the status quo could be devastating for communities in a post-COVID economic recovery. The impact of the virus and the resultant public health measures have meant that most municipalities are seeing a decline in revenue and increase in expenditures.

In response, as all levels of government look to balance debt and deficits while protecting the well-being of our communities, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released its latest report, Better Budgets: Bolstering the Fiscal Resilience of Ontario’s Municipalities, which identifies 14 recommendations for both the Province and municipalities which can bring immediate and long-term relief to communities across Ontario.

“Municipalities in Ontario are facing a triple threat this year: an ongoing pandemic that has been devastating to local economies, reduced revenue from closed or limited services, and increased spending on public health and human services. The Financial Accountability Office estimates the pandemic will collectively cost municipalities $2.7 billion in 2021, on top of the expected $4.1 billion impact of 2020,” said Cambridge Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Greg Durocher. “In Budget 2021, the Government of Ontario committed to a long‐term economic growth plan. It is imperative public policymakers do everything they can do to ensure communities like ours do not get left behind in recovery.”

During the June 28 edition of our Chamber Chat, Cambridge City Manager David Calder and CFO Sheryl Ayres took a closer at the report and provided some great insight on the merits and viability of some of these recommendations, while identifying misconceptions relating to others.

“I commend the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on their work on Better Budgets,” said David, adding the report contained some ‘old chestnuts’ municipalities having been trying to change for many years when it comes managing finances. “It’s a good variety. Some we can support and some that might not be as supportable.”

Greg said for many years there has been ongoing discussion centred on the ‘restrictiveness’ of municipalities’ ability to raise revenue, noting changes are clearly needed, especially when it comes to Ontario’s property tax system.

“We have to undue to the system so to speak and make sure taxes are applied appropriately,” he said.

Sheryl agreed the current property tax system, which has been in place since the 1990s, is need of a full review.

“In doing that, they also need to look at other revenue tools that municipalities can use in addition to property taxes,” she said, noting that 91% of tax dollars go to the Provincial and Federal governments, leaving the remainder for municipalities. “Yet, we’ve got the greatest portion of expenses related to the assets that we own, and we are closer to the people in terms of the local services we provide. I believe we need a comprehensive review of the whole tax system and how it’s allocated across three levels of government, ensuring there is transparency and equity in how the funds are raised from the residents of Canada.”

David said the downloading of services to municipalities is an important issue that needs to be addressed.

“We need to review who should be providing what services and whether there are ways to be more cost efficient in the supply of those services,” he said. “It’s a very complex conversation but one that needs to take place.”

David said municipalities have been looking for ways to be more autonomous for many years in effort to make better decisions at the local level.

“We’ve got to figure out where do we want to be in that spectrum,” he said. “There needs to be discussion around trying to make sure we control our delivery a little bit where appropriate.”

The OCC report agrees and states the Ontario’s post-pandemic recovery and long-term success will depend heavily on unleashing the economic potential of its municipalities.

“Given that local governments in Ontario cannot run budget deficits, their current options for fiscal sustainability are limited to tax increases, service cuts, and the use of reserves,” said Claudia Dessanti, Senior Manager, Policy of the OCC. “Now is the time for municipalities and the province to explore alternative means of achieving fiscal sustainability.”

Key recommendations outlined in the report include:

Undertake a comprehensive and forward-looking review of Ontario’s property tax system to ensure the system is more equitable, efficient, and predictable for businesses.

Adhere to the ‘pay-for-say principle’ to ensure that all responsibilities are accompanied by adequate funding.

Enhance and incentivize regional collaboration across municipalities.  

The OCC report was created in partnership with KPMG Canada. Read the report.