Several businesses in Ontario are preparing for tariffs but affirming resilience following unsuccessful trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. on Friday night. Despite coming close, both sides failed to reach an agreement, leading to the White House imposing a 50 per cent tariff on roughly $28 billion worth of Canadian goods, including steel, aluminum, and auto exports.
Kimberly Turner-Briscoe, president of a steel fastener supplier and distributor based in Scarborough, expressed her struggles and tough decisions amid the ongoing trade war. Despite her disappointment with the tariffs, particularly Canada’s 25 per cent sectional tariffs on fasteners, she commended negotiators for walking away from what she deemed a detrimental deal.
Turner-Briscoe emphasized the importance of standing firm, stating that no deal is preferable to a bad one, underscoring the challenges faced by businesses in the current economic climate. Statistics Canada reported that the items subjected to the new tariffs account for about nine per cent of Ontario’s total exports to the U.S. in 2025.
In response to the failed negotiations, Prime Minister Carney criticized the proposed terms as economically unsound and unfair to Canada. He announced Canada’s intention to implement retaliatory tariffs across various sectors, matching the U.S. tariffs dollar for dollar, starting after Labour Day.
Unifor national president Lana Payne supported the government’s decision, noting the relentless demands for concessions from the Trump administration that necessitated Canadian negotiators to walk away. Payne emphasized the challenging times ahead and called for unity among Canadians to navigate the situation strategically.
During a news conference, Ontario Premier Ford expressed relief that the trade deal was not signed, acknowledging the adverse impact it could have had on the province’s key sectors. He urged Canadian premiers to present a united front to overcome the challenges posed by the tariffs.
Giles Gherson, president of the Toronto Region Board of Trade, warned of the direct impact the tariffs would have on jobs and investments in the region. He urged coordinated action from provincial and federal authorities to address the tariffs effectively.
Turner-Briscoe highlighted a shift in consumer behavior towards buying local, emphasizing the need to reduce dependence on the U.S. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow echoed this sentiment, advocating for supporting local businesses to counter the effects of the tariffs.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown emphasized the importance of not settling for a bad deal and urged unity among all levels of government and industries to protect Canadian workers and the economy.
Experts have warned that the Canada-U.S. trade war will have significant costs for Canadians, potentially leading to higher prices, unemployment, and business closures. They stressed the importance of returning to the negotiation table to secure a favorable deal for Canada and Ontario amid the ongoing economic challenges.
