Canadian Chamber survey seeks local examples of potential impacts on sales, costs and jobs

North Bay businesses are being asked to spell out how new U.S. tariffs could affect their operations as uncertainty continues to weigh on the local business community.

The North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce is encouraging businesses to take part in a survey being conducted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. The survey is seeking concrete examples of how the new 50 per cent U.S. tariffs could affect Canadian businesses and jobs.

The survey asks businesses to identify affected products or activities and describe potential impacts on sales, costs, contracts, production and investment. It also asks about jobs already lost or potentially at risk, as well as changes to hiring and working hours.

See: ‘We got attacked’: Carney says retaliatory tariffs on U.S. to take effect next month

And: A list of some of the items the U.S. is slapping with a 50 per cent tariff

Donna Backer, CEO of the local chamber, said businesses are dealing with continued uncertainty around trade.

“We’re cognizant of the level of frustration and concern,” she told BayToday. “Things change every 10 minutes. You don’t know what to do.”

Backer said businesses have spent the past year adapting to changing trade conditions, while some are still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I feel like business has been pivoting for the last six years,” she said. “And I don’t want to use that COVID term, but you know, it’s just been one thing after another for the business community, and some of them are just getting their heads above water since the pandemic, and now this is happening as well.”

She said businesses involved in exporting, importing or North American supply chains are likely to feel the effects of the tariffs.

Backer said the business community has shown it can adapt to difficult conditions, but she wants governments to ensure small and medium-sized businesses are not overlooked.

“One of many good things that businesses are good at is they’re good at finding ways to pivot and do the things that they need to do to help their business and help their customers,” she said.

The Canadian Chamber’s survey is intended to gather specific examples from businesses across the country. Backer said the information will be used to support the organization’s federal advocacy efforts.

“They’re looking for concrete examples of how the 50 per cent tariffs will affect Canadian businesses, particularly those small and medium-sized businesses,” she said.

The survey asks businesses to provide details about which products, industries or activities could be affected and, where possible, estimate the impact on sales, costs, contracts, production, investment and employment.

Backer said the North Bay chamber does not receive the survey data directly and could not say when the Canadian Chamber will release its findings.

In the meantime, the local chamber plans to continue sharing information and resources with its members as the trade situation develops.

“Our role is to be resourceful in providing up-to-date information,” Backer said. “Any programs that would be available to help small and medium-sized businesses.”

She also encouraged local businesses to contact the chamber with examples of how the changing trade situation is affecting them.

“We want to hear from you,” she said. “So send me an email, give us a call.”

Backer added that businesses and governments should also focus on areas Canada can control, including improving trade within the country, diversifying trade partners and making the economy more competitive.

“We can’t always look at the doom and gloom,” she said. “There are things that we can do in Canada to help out our businesses.”

You can reach the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce at 705-472-8480 or through its website.