Ontario Chamber Calls for De-escalation, Focus on Competitiveness as Canada-U.S. Trade Tensions Enter New Phase

(TORONTO – September 8, 2026) – Today, Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement on Canadian counter-tariffs on U.S. goods: 

“This morning, Donald Trump’s trade war with Canada enters a new phase, as the Canadian government responds with counter-tariffs on some $28 billion of U.S. goods. 

“This is a sad day for North American businesses, and with the threat of further U.S. escalation, the week may get even worse. This mutually destructive trade war, driven by Trump’s multiple violations of his own trade agreement, is raising costs and impeding investment and hiring across the continent. Trade wars have no winners – only losers. 

“The Ontario Chamber of Commerce would welcome a mutual de-escalation of tariffs, and a return to respecting the provisions of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement. Unfortunately, the current president seems uninterested in doing so, and unwilling to abide by any deal he signs. While Canada should keep the lines of communication open, until U.S. political dynamics change, we must live with short-term turbulence rather than accept long-term harm to our businesses, our economy and our sovereignty. 

“The governments of Canada and Ontario cannot be held responsible for the misguided, illegal actions of another country. They will, however, be judged on how well they make good on their promise to build a more dynamic economy: incentivizing business investment, expanding interprovincial and international trade, building infrastructure, developing a skilled workforce, and making it attractive for high-potential businesses to grow and sustain themselves in Canada. We are making exciting progress but must now move even faster. 

“The Ontario Chamber will continue to work with our governments to achieve these goals, and to build inclusive, sustainable prosperity for businesses, workers and communities. Our member businesses believe deeply in Ontario and Canada, and face the future with confidence.” 

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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.  

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