PA Chamber of Business and Industry and Ontario Chamber of Commerce Unite in Support of Free Trade

(Harrisburg and Toronto,  August 16, 2018) – Recognizing the strong economic ties that have long existed between Pennsylvania and Canada, today the PA Chamber of Business and Industry joined the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in calling for the renewal of the North American Free Trade Agreement in order to strengthen cross-border trade.

“There is no upside to an economic trade war, which threatens to undo all of the positive economic gains Pennsylvania has seen as a result of federal tax and regulatory reforms,” warned PA Chamber President Gene Barr.  “The Commonwealth’s trade relationship with Canada is a critical component in advancing the state’s overall economy.  In fact, in 2017, Pennsylvania ranked in the top ten states providing imports to Ontario. We are proud to stand with our counterparts in Ontario to encourage the renewal and modernization of NAFTA.”

Canada is the Commonwealth’s most significant trade partner.  Data from the U.S. Chamber shows that an emerging trade war would threaten $1.2 billion worth in Pennsylvania exports to Canada.  Additionally, more than 1 million Pennsylvania jobs that are supported by global trade are at risk.

“We must continue to build upon the critical relationship between Pennsylvania and Ontario, ensuring trade between our respective jurisdictions remains strong and without interruption,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “With $15.6 billion in bilateral trade at stake, a strong cross-border trade partnership and the renewal of NAFTA are critical for the economic growth and prosperity of both our economies.”

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About the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state’s largest broad-based business association, with its statewide membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of Business™.

About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

For more than a century, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been the independent, non-partisan voice of Ontario business.

The OCC’s mission is to support economic growth in Ontario by defending business priorities at Queen’s Park on behalf of its network’s diverse 60,000 members. The OCC’s vision is to foster a vibrant and economically sustainable province that is driven by an innovative, successful and ever-expanding business community. From innovative SMEs to established multinational corporations and industry associations, the OCC is committed to working with our members to improve business competitiveness across all sectors. The OCC represents local chambers of commerce and boards of trade in over 135 communities across Ontario, steering public policy conversations provincially and within local communities.

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For more information please contact: 

Ceara Copps – Edwards
Communications Advisor, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
cearacoppsedwards@occ.ca, 647-243-3562

Jason Hagey
Vice President, Communications, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
JasonH@awb.org, 360.943.1600 ext. 1025