Toronto, May 14, 2026: Following the CCMBC’s Annual Gala Dinner with business members on May 13, the message from the Canadian small- and medium-sized business community is clear and unequivocal – business wants a trade deal with the US as soon as possible. CCMBC President Catherine Swift noted “The uncertainty has gone on long enough and the lack of a deal is increasingly causing job loss and business failure in Canada.”

Global crises such as the war in Iran merely worsen the climate of uncertainty. As well, Canada’s strategic partnership agreement with Communist China has alarmed many businesses which have been victims of unfair competition with China and their dumping of products into Canada. Swift said “The topic of unfair trade practices came up with virtually every business owner we spoke with. The complaints focused on China exporting products to Canada at lower prices than the raw materials would have cost (dumping), theft of intellectual property including putting versions of Canadian companies’ logos on Chinese products to fool the buyer and not complying with Canadian safety standards.”

Business owners noted that when they complained to the relevant Liberal Minister or their Liberal MP, they were given the brush-off and letters they sent did not even receive the decency of a reply. The fact PM Carney has refused to reveal the contents of the strategic partnership agreement with China, is of great concern to these businesses. If this agreement is reasonable, why would Carney insist on such secrecy?

The reality is Canada will not get a deal with the US until we resolve issues such as Chinese dumping and using Canada as a gateway for products subsidized by the Chinese Communist Party in an attempt to put North American manufacturers out of business. Another priority is to stop China using Canada as a means of distributing illegal substances such as fentanyl or its components.

Swift stated “The federal government claims that attracting investment, after years of declines, is a key objective. This will not happen with the uncertainty of Canada-US trade relations hanging over Canada.” It appears the federal and some provincial governments do not consider reaching an agreement with the US a priority as partisan political interests are served by keeping the US government as the enemy to attract votes. Meanwhile, Canadian business and economic interests continue to suffer. Swift added “It is dishonest for any political leader to imply Canada can move significantly away from the US as its major trading partner easily or quickly, if ever. The extensive, positive history of our relationship with the US will not be altered without serious long-term damage to Canada.”

Many Canadian firms are establishing business premises in the US or seriously considering it. This was going on well before Trump’s second term and was a result of an uncompetitive business climate in Canada. Talented young people are also leaving Canada for greener pastures south of the border. This exodus needs to end. Businesses and individuals that leave rarely return. Federal and provincial governments should be looking at their own destructive policies that have caused our economy to decline in the past decade instead of fighting with our largest trading partner.

This is also a pivotal time in Ottawa’s relationships with the provinces, with separatist sentiments growing. A devastating blow to provincial economic fortunes such as not renewing the Canada-US trade deal will worsen these tensions. Swift concluded “Putting short-term partisan politics ahead of the long term well-being of Canadians is irresponsible and a betrayal of all Canadians. It must end as soon as possible. Business needs a trade deal with the US.”

_________________________________________

The CCMBC was formed in 2016 with a mandate to advocate for proactive and innovative policies that are conducive to manufacturing and business retention and safeguarding job growth in Canada. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Catherine Swift at swifty4488@outlook.com or 416 816 7248.