Dear Members of the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade,
As President of the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade (GCBBT), I am writing to address the recent tariffs imposed by the United States on Canadian goods and discuss how we, as a business community in Western Newfoundland, can navigate these challenges together. I’m sure we can all agree that we are truly living in very different times. These recent tariffs imposed by the United States present a significant concern for many of our members, particularly those involved in sectors such as forestry, seafood, and manufacturing. Additionally, these tariffs and counter measures will negatively impact the residents of our communities by potentially leading to higher prices for goods and reduced employment opportunities.
We understand the significant impacts of these tariffs on your businesses, including increased costs, reduced export opportunities, and overall economic uncertainty. The GCBBT is committed to supporting our members through this challenging period. We believe that by working collaboratively we can explore new avenues for growth and resilience. We understand the significant impacts of these tariffs on your businesses, including increased costs, reduced export opportunities, and overall economic uncertainty. The GCBBT is committed to supporting our members as we build new ways of doing business here in Newfoundland and Labrador and with fellow Canadians.
As such, we will be taking the following actions:
* Promoting “Buy Canadian” and “Shop Local”: In these trying times, it is crucial to support our local and national economies. We strongly encourage all members and residents of our region where possible to prioritize purchasing Canadian-made products and shopping locally.
What Does “Local” Mean to Us? Supporting local isn’t just about where products come from—it’s about supporting the businesses that invest in our community. Whether it’s a family-owned store, a franchise operated by local entrepreneurs, or a company sourcing Canadian-made products, local businesses create jobs, contribute to the regional economy, and give back to the community. We recognize and celebrate all businesses that call Western Newfoundland home, and we encourage consumers to support them in anyway they can.
By choosing Canadian and local, we directly strengthen our businesses, create jobs within our community, and build resilience against external economic pressures like these tariffs. Every dollar spent locally has a ripple effect, supporting families, businesses, and the overall economic health of our region. We will be promoting initiatives to raise awareness of the importance of buying Canadian and shopping local, and we encourage you to join us in this effort. If you have Canadian and / or locally made products, let us know so we can promote it in our newsletters and on our socials.
* Information Gathering and Dissemination: We will actively monitor the evolving trade situation, gathering information on the specific tariffs, their impact, and any available government programs or resources. We will keep you informed through regular updates via email, our website, our socials and upcoming meetings. We encourage you to share your experiences, challenges and insights with us so we can effectively represent your needs.
* Advocacy and Representation: We will engage with all levels of government (municipal, provincial, and federal) to advocate for policies that support our local businesses. We will be collaborating with partner organizations, such as other boards of trade and industry associations, to amplify our voice and ensure the concerns of Corner Brook and Western Newfoundland businesses are heard. We will be pushing for tariff relief, export diversification programs, increased interprovincial trade and support for affected industries.
* Resource Support and Workshops: We will be exploring opportunities to offer workshops and resources to help businesses adapt to the changing trade landscape. These may include sessions on diversifying export markets, cost reduction strategies, and legal advice on trade regulations. We will also connect members with relevant government programs and resources designed to assist businesses affected by trade disputes.
* Networking and Collaboration: We believe in the power of collaboration. We encourage members to connect with us and each other to share best practices, challenges, and explore potential partnerships to navigate these challenges collectively. We will facilitate networking opportunities through our events and online platforms (regular zoom meetings, etc.). With a better understanding of how these tariffs affect each of us, we have a better chance of mitigating any negative effects.
We understand that these tariffs create uncertainty, but we are confident that by working together and supporting each other through initiatives like “Buy Canadian” and “Shop Local,” we have the best chance to overcome these challenges. We encourage you to reach out to the GCBBT office with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. We are here to support you.
Resources:
BUYNL
Business Data Lab
Market Entry Development Program
Business Navigators