Toronto, August 22, 2026:

The Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses of Canada (CCMBC) is disappointed by the federal government’s decision to proceed with retaliatory tariffs and by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s failure to provide a credible, transparent strategy to protect Canadian jobs, investment, and productive capacity.

History, symbolism, and speeches are not substitutes for a real trade strategy that addresses the immediate consequences of lost market access, disrupted supply chains, and higher input costs as a result of a trade war with the United States. Canada needs greater resilience and more export options, but diversification cannot be announced only after negotiations fail. Nor can it mean neglecting the integrated North American market that continues to buy the overwhelming share of what Canadian businesses produce.

Retaliatory tariffs may sound tough, but their costs are paid in Canada. They are imposed on Canadian importers and work their way through the economy—to manufacturers buying components, distributors bringing in inventory, retailers serving customers, repair shops sourcing parts, exporters relying on integrated supply chains, and families paying higher prices.

Every business and individual who relies on U.S.-made products, materials, equipment, components, or replacement parts will be affected. Inventory already in Canada may not be subject to additional tariffs, but newly imported U.S.-origin goods will carry added costs. Many small and mid-sized businesses have no immediate domestic substitute and cannot repeatedly absorb higher costs without raising prices, delaying investment, or reducing employment.

“Canadian businesses do not need political theatre. They need certainty, affordable inputs, stable supply chains, and dependable access to their largest market,” said Scott Hughes, board member of CCMBC. “A retaliatory tariff is effectively a tax on Canadian businesses and consumers unless it is accompanied by a clear, credible path to a negotiated settlement.”

A serious Canadian trade strategy combines firm, practical diplomacy with policies that improve domestic competitiveness such as competitive taxation, reliable and affordable energy, faster project approvals, productive infrastructure, domestic procurement, defence-industrial capacity, reduced interprovincial trade barriers, and support for value-added manufacturing.

CCMBC supports building a stronger and more self-reliant Canadian economy. However, strengthening domestic capacity and expanding trade relationships cannot become an excuse to damage Canada’s most important commercial relationship. The United States remains Canada’s largest customer, closest ally, and most integrated trading partner. Canadian and American businesses share supply chains, customers, investment, and workers.

Given these high stakes, CCMBC calls on the federal government to immediately disclose:

• The terms proposed and rejected in negotiations with the United States
• The expected economic damage from retaliatory tariffs, by sector and region
• The specific goods, materials, components, and business inputs affected
• The assistance available to businesses and workers facing higher costs or lost sales
• Its plan to replace lost market access and protect displaced workers
• A realistic timeline and process for reaching a negotiated resolution

“Canada should defend its interests firmly, but it must do so with practical diplomacy and a clear understanding of who pays the price,” said Scott Hughes. “A policy that raises costs for Canadians without a credible path to restoring market access and trade stability is not a sustainable strategy.”

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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.