Navigating the trade disruption

Following the breakdown of Canada-U.S. trade negotiations last week and the introduction of new U.S. tariffs on a broad range of Canadian goods, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce wants to speak directly to the business community about what this moment means for Westman, and where we stand.

We support the federal government’s decision to walk away from a deal that would have compromised Canadian sovereignty, weakened protections for key Canadian sectors and restricted our country’s ability to pursue trade relationships beyond the United States. A weak deal accepted under pressure would have cost us far more in the long run than the disruption we are facing now.

Choosing no deal over a bad one took resolve, and it was the right call for Canada’s long-term economic interests.

We also recognize this comes at a real cost to our business community. Westman’s economy is built on agriculture, manufacturing and a range of other export-driven sectors, all directly exposed on both sides of this dispute. Businesses shipping goods into the United States are now facing steep new tariffs that erode competitiveness in that market.

At the same time, Canada’s own retaliatory measures, set to take effect Sept. 8 on sectors including agricultural equipment, steel and electronics, will raise costs for local manufacturers who rely on American-made machinery and parts.

That is precisely why unity matters right now. Along with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, the Business Council of Manitoba, and chambers across the country, we believe Canada is strongest when business, government and community are united and speaking from the same page.

This is also a moment to look inward: to accelerate the removal of remaining barriers to trade between our own provinces, to diversify the markets Manitoba businesses sell into and to strengthen the domestic supply chains and partnerships that reduce our reliance on any single trading partner.

We also want to hear directly from you. Every business is experiencing this disruption differently, and we want to understand its impact — whether that means rising costs, delayed investment decisions or uncertainty about what comes next — so we can advocate on your behalf as we work toward a common goal. Please reach out and share what these tariffs mean for your business.

The Brandon Chamber will continue to monitor developments closely, advocate on behalf of our business community as retaliatory measures and support programs are finalized and share information as it becomes available.

We will get through this the way Westman always has: together, with confidence, determination and a clear focus on the road ahead.

EMELIO BROWN, president

Brandon Chamber of Commerce