Dear Valued Chamber Members, Local Businesses and Community Leaders,
As recently appointed Executive Director of the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce, I wanted to take a moment to provide an update on my personal thoughts as well as our Chambers current stance after the recent announcements on the tariffs that came into effect Tuesday morning.
As we are all aware, on March 4th 2025, The United States implemented 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada as well as 10% tariffs specifically targeting Canada’s energy sector. We have no clear indication how long these tariffs may remain in place or any additional changes that may be coming.
Both our Federal and Provincial Governments are acting as quickly as they can to bring services and strategies to help provide supports where they are needed most, but we will still need to act on our own to ensure that our businesses stay fully operational, that our workers keep getting their pay cheque’s and that our families and friends continue to be able to put meals on their tables.
Now is the time to act, to review different avenues in which our businesses can pivot to try and offset these additional, unneeded overheads. Find ways that we can rely on Canadian producers for obtaining materials and supplies. Opening conversations with local options for shipping and advertising. Even going as far as reviewing software vendors to look towards Canadian positioned providers. When faced with adversity, we must show how resilient we are when standing together. Canadians need to support Canadians.
As leader of your local Chamber, I want to hear from you. I want to hear your concerns, your current struggles but most of all, I want to know where you have been able to adjust, where you have been able to see success, because this is how we fight back.
The Chamber will bring forward any news it can to our members and our community. If there is anything we can do to assist you, my door is open. I would like to close by sharing a quote from the President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
“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 Lang
Mitch Martin
Executive Director
Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce
info@summersidechamber.com