Businesses Call for Urgent Action on Expanded U.S. Tariffs at Ontario Chamber AGM

(Toronto, ON – April 27, 2026) — As business leaders from across the province gathered for the 2026 Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) AGM and Convention under the theme “Ontario Connected: Business Without Barriers,” a clear message emerged: the recent expansion of U.S. Section 232 tariffs is putting jobs, investment, and integrated supply chains at risk in Ontario, and across the binational Great Lakes region.

The recent expansion of U.S. duties to the entire value of steel, aluminum, copper and derivative products – not just the metal content – poses an immediate risk to 15,000 jobs in southwestern Ontario alone, and thousands more in manufacturing supply chains across the province and in U.S. states.

“After a year in which tariffs devastated manufacturing in both Canada and the U.S., this new measure throws another wrench in the engine of the North American economy,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “These tariffs are not well-understood, and that’s why Ontario businesses are sounding the alarm. Without swift relief, orders will vanish, investments will be shelved, and good jobs will be lost.”

For many businesses, the strain is already visible. Companies report absorbing sudden cost increases, losing long-standing U.S. customers, and delaying or cancelling expansion plans. Some are scaling back production or pausing hiring decisions.

“Businesses need two things from governments right now: relief and resolution,” Tisch added. “In the short term, that means reinstating remissions and providing targeted cash-flow support. But we also need a durable fix, one that’s negotiated between the two nations. If we get this wrong, we’re not just hurting Ontario, we’re undermining North America’s competitive edge.”

As Canada and the United States prepare for the upcoming CUSMA review, Ontario’s business community is united in its message: protect what works, fix what doesn’t, and remove barriers that put jobs and communities at risk.

—30—

About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC convenes, mobilizes, and empowers business and local chambers in pursuit of its purpose: to bring inclusive and sustainable prosperity to Ontario’s businesses, workers, and communities.

For more information, please contact:

Andrea Carmona
Director of Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: 647 234 0255

 QUOTES:

“Communities thrive when there are stable business conditions that lead to prosperity for everyone. The Guelph business community stands against these unsettling and ill-advised tariffs. North America has relied on the stability of our system to grow together, and senseless tariffs such as the Section 232 ones further erode this stability. We are hopeful that data and a positive approach to negotiations will lead to a unified path forward that lets everyone thrive.”

— Andy Veilleux, President and CEO, Guelph Chamber of Commerce

“In Windsor‑Essex, we feel the impacts of tariffs first and most acutely. Any further expansion of Section 232 duties disrupts deeply integrated supply chains, puts thousands of local jobs at risk, and injects harmful uncertainty into a region that depends on a stable, predictable Canada–US trading relationship.”

— Ryan Donally, President and CEO, Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce

“This isn’t an abstract trade issue for Sault Ste. Marie, it’s happening on the ground. Steel tariffs are already affecting Algoma Steel, with ripple effects across jobs, suppliers and small businesses. Without action to restore stability, our community risks deeper economic uncertainty.”

— La‑Na Fragomeni, President of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce

“The expansion of Section 232 tariffs is creating real uncertainty for Sarnia-Lambton businesses, particularly those tied to cross-border supply chains and advanced manufacturing. These measures are increasing costs, disrupting long-standing trade relationships, and putting local jobs at risk. Without a coordinated response, these measures risk undermining jobs and investment in our region. We urge continued collaboration to protect cross-border trade and the economic stability of communities like ours.”

— Carrie McEachran, CEO, Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce

“Businesses in South Niagara are deeply integrated into cross-border supply chains, and the expansion of U.S. Section 232 tariffs is creating immediate uncertainty for our members. We’re hearing from companies facing rising costs, disrupted customer relationships, and difficult decisions about production and hiring. This is not just a trade issue—it’s a local economic issue that affects jobs, families, and communities on both sides of the border. We strongly echo the call for urgent, coordinated action to provide short-term relief and to secure a long-term resolution that protects the competitiveness of our binational economy.”

— Dolores Fabiano, Executive Director, South Niagara Chambers of Commerce (Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Port Colborne-Wainfleet, Welland/Pelham)

“Businesses in Cornwall and SDG are already feeling the impact of the expanded Section 232 tariffs, particularly those tied to cross-border supply chains and manufacturing. These measures create uncertainty, increase costs, and threaten the competitiveness of our local businesses that rely on strong Canada-U.S. trade relationships.”

— Angela Bero, Executive Director, Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce

“Our Chamber supports the call from the federal and provincial governments to support business sectors that are being impacted unfairly targeted by Trump’s ridiculous tariffs. Support is needed now to help these sectors and their businesses get through this period of crisis before the CUSMA negotiations start. We cannot wait for the US midterm elections or a return to sanity in the White House. Action is required now, and we have full confidence that Canada and Ontario will step up again.”

— Ian McLean, President and CEO, The Greater KW Chamber of Commerce

“In Lincoln, we’re seeing the real-time impact of this uncertainty across our key sectors—from agriculture and manufacturing to tourism. Businesses are navigating inconsistent information at the border, unexpected costs, and shifting demand, all of which are making it harder to plan, invest, and grow. What’s needed now is clarity, coordination, and swift action to restore confidence and stability for our local economy.”

—  Emilia Amaro, Executive Director, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

“Our entire town is impacted in so many ways. The cost of trying to feed your family is almost impossible!! Everything from indoor/outdoor carpeting for the boat deck to beach towels and sunscreen is now almost unreachable to most middle-income families. Things that we usually save for every year, but now that doesn’t even stretch enough to cover it.”

— Cathy Tysz, Vice Chair, Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce

“Whitby’s advanced manufacturing base, including automotive suppliers, along with steel-dependent construction and energy projects, is already facing rising input costs and supply chain disruption as a result of expanded U.S. Section 232 tariffs—putting pressure on jobs, competitiveness, and project timelines. We echo the call from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for a coordinated, non-partisan response that protects integrated North American supply chains, reduces internal trade barriers, and accelerates export diversification to strengthen Ontario’s economic resilience.”

— Karey Anne Large, CEO, Whitby Chamber of Commerce

“Northern Ontario communities like Timmins sit at the heart of Canada’s mining and mineral supply chain, and these expanded tariffs are a direct hit to the sector that sustains our region. Our businesses need remissions reinstated, cash-flow relief delivered, and a negotiated resolution on the table before the damage becomes permanent.”

— Mélanie Dufresne, President, Timmins Chamber of Commerce

“Escalating Section 232 tariffs on the full invoice value of goods would hit rural communities like Chatham-Kent especially hard, because our economy is intertwined across agriculture, manufacturing, agri-food, retail, tourism, and logistics. When tariffs apply to the full value of an invoice instead of just the metal content, costs rise across the supply chain, margins shrink, investment slows, and those pressures quickly spread from exporters to local suppliers, workers, and consumers.”

— Rory Ring, President and CEO, Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce

“For Tillsonburg’s manufacturing-driven economy, these tariffs are an immediate roadblock that disrupts the flow of goods and undermines our community’s competitive edge.”

— Rocio Salinas, CEO, Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce

“The recent increase in aluminum, copper, and steel tariffs is putting immediate cost pressures on Quinte West manufacturers and construction‑related businesses, narrowing margins and disrupting planned projects. These measures risk slowing local investment and job growth even further at a time when our businesses are already working hard to stay competitive.”

— Suzanne Andrews, CEO, Quinte West Chamber of Commerce

“Businesses in Amherstburg and across our border region are deeply connected to U.S. markets, and the expansion of Section 232 tariffs creates real pressure on local employers, suppliers, and families who depend on stable cross-border trade. As a chamber, we are urging all levels of government to work quickly and collaboratively to protect jobs, reduce uncertainty, and support the businesses that keep our regional economy moving.”

— Dan Gemus, President, Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce

“Expanded U.S. tariffs put real pressure on Barrie and Simcoe County manufacturers, exporters, and the local supply chains that depend on cross-border trade. We need urgent relief and a durable Canada-U.S. resolution that protects jobs, investment, and the competitiveness of communities like ours.”

— Paul Markle, CEO, The Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce

“The expansion of Section 232 tariffs is disrupting the integrated supply chains that businesses in Norfolk County rely on every day. These added costs and uncertainties make it harder for local employers to plan, invest, and stay competitive in a tightly linked North American market.”

— Renee VanKooten, President, Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce

“Businesses across our region are already feeling the strain of expanded U.S. Section 232 tariffs, as rising costs and supply chain disruptions threaten jobs and investment in our communities. We are fortunate to have Peacock Tariff Consulting locally, helping businesses respond strategically to these rapidly changing trade conditions.”

— Allan Lafontaine, Executive Director, Orillia and District Chamber of Commerce

“Tariffs are affecting businesses across Ontario, with some regions and sectors feeling the impact more than others. While Sudbury’s business community continues to respond with resilience, we are disappointed by recent changes that have expanded tariff burdens and increased uncertainty for employers and investors.
Businesses need stability and predictability to grow, expand and make informed decisions. With the right conditions in place, they can continue to contribute to Ontario’s economic strength.”

— Marie Litalien, President and CEO, Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce

“Expanded Section 232 tariffs are driving up costs and disrupting cross-border supply chains for Richmond Hill’s technology, advanced manufacturing, and logistics businesses, squeezing small and mid-sized employers and increasing the risk of stagflation for jobs and growth across York Region.”

— Monique Dennison, Executive Director, The Richmond Hill Board of Trade

“In communities like ours, local businesses don’t have the margin to absorb sudden cost increases from increased tariffs. Our community relies on the local economy and the local economy relies on our community; these tariffs put pressure on our businesses’ ability to provide goods, services, and reliable local jobs.”

— Jordana Jones, Treasurer, Cookstown and District Chamber of Commerce

“The recent U.S. Section 232 tariff expansion is hitting our tourism operators, SMEs, manufacturers, and agriculture processes through higher costs for supplies, reduced U.S. visitor spending, slower growth, job losses, and overall struggles to keep our vibrant downtowns alive in Scugog, Uxbridge, and Brock. Our Chamber is rallying our townships and business communities to work together and build an unbreakable support system so we have the best chance of survival.”

— Misty Santos, Executive Director, North Durham Chamber of Commerce

“The expansion of U.S. Section 232 tariffs is creating immediate strain on Ontario’s integrated supply chains, particularly in advanced manufacturing and logistics hubs like Milton. Businesses need predictability, and these measures risk undermining cross-border competitiveness at a time when economic stability is critical.”

— Todd Letts, President & CEO (Interim), Milton Chamber of Commerce

“What we’re hearing from our members is clear: these expanded tariffs are creating real strain. Businesses that have spent years building cross-border relationships are seeing costs rise, orders slow, and plans put on hold. In a community like ours, the ripple effects are significant – impacting jobs, investment, and everyday economic stability.”

— Jaipaul Massey-Singh, CEO, Brampton Board of Trade

“U.S. Section 232 tariffs continue to place significant strain on Burlington businesses, particularly our manufacturing members — including a strong base of auto parts producers — by increasing costs and disrupting integrated North American supply chains. These impacts extend across our broader manufacturing ecosystem in energy and technology, affecting hundreds of local businesses and thousands of employees who depend on stable, competitive trade conditions to grow and thrive.”

— Terry Caddo, President and CEO, Burlington Chamber of Commerce

“Businesses in Ottawa are already experiencing the impacts of expanded U.S. Section 232 tariffs, particularly across advanced technology, defence, and manufacturing sectors that are deeply integrated into cross-border supply chains. As the nation’s capital, Ottawa is a key contributor to Ontario’s economic competitiveness, and these measures risk increasing costs and uncertainty while constraining investment and job growth across the region.”

— Erin Benjamin, Executive Vice-President of Advocacy & Strategy, Ottawa Board of Trade

“Hamilton is one of the most trade-exposed communities in Canada — when tariffs expand, the impact is immediate: jobs at risk, investment on hold, and confidence shaken. These measures don’t just hurt Canadian businesses; they disrupt a deeply integrated North American economy that both countries rely on. With the CUSMA review ahead, governments must act now to restore certainty and protect the competitiveness of our community and country.”

— Greg Dunnett, President & CEO, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce

“Manufacturing a vitally important, high-value component of our region’s economy, and right now those businesses are absorbing unsustainable costs. We stand with the OCC in calling for immediate relief and a negotiated resolution that provides certainty to businesses on both sides of the border. The upcoming CUSMA review is the opportunity to restore the successful, mutually beneficial, integrated North American economy that our businesses have built.”

— Giles Gherson, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade

The expansion of Section 232 tariffs is directly impacting Vaughan’s manufacturing sector, increasing costs, disrupting integrated supply chains, and creating uncertainty for businesses that depend on the U.S. market. With 84% of our exports going to the United States and Vaughan accounting for 47% of York Region’s total exports, these impacts are being felt across our business community.

—  Jennifer Coletta-Rashty, President & CEO, Vaughan Chamber of Commerce

“These expanded tariffs threaten local jobs and place unnecessary strain on manufacturers and workers across Oakville and Ontario. We urge a swift resolution that protects North American supply chains and restores certainty for businesses on both sides of the border”

—  France Fournier, President & CEO, Oakville Chamber of Commerce

“Our businesses are struggling with the direct and indirect financial impacts of these tariffs and the constant state of flux. We urge careful consideration of the impacts of how any retaliatory tariffs may hurt our businesses and for additional supports to retain businesses in Canada.”

— Mil Patel, President, Board of Directors, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade