Ontario businesses face continued uncertainty amid unstable U.S. trade policy 

(Toronto – April 2, 2025) – Ontario Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Daniel Tisch, issued the following statement in response to U.S. President Trump’s latest tariff announcement: 

“President Trump has declared today ‘Liberation Day,’ but the only thing being liberated is hard-earned cash from the pockets of American consumers, who will pay these tariffs. 

“Canadians can take some comfort in being spared the worst of today’s announcement, thanks to the hard work of our political and business leaders in defending Canada’s interests, and those of businesses, workers and communities in both countries. 

“Unfortunately, a high-tariff environment – and constant U.S. policy changes – will continue to drive jobs and investment away from North America, and cause insecurity and instability around the world. The global economy is not a reality TV show. Businesses and investors deserve thoughtfulness rather than theatrics, and certainty rather than psychodrama.

“For Canadians, certainty will come only from getting to the table quickly to renegotiate the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Trade Agreement, while taking action to diversify our trading partners and strengthen our competitiveness at home. We call on our political leaders to unify us, not divide us, and to work together to make this happen. 

“Tonight, the tariff crisis has gone from a North American phenomenon to a global one. This opens the door to new partnerships, and new opportunities. Canada must seize them.” 

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 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
Senior Manager of Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: (647) 234-0255