This week, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce was in Washington, D.C., during the U.S. inauguration, working to ensure that decisionmakers understand the risks posed by proposed tariffs. Through direct engagement with key partners, we made the case that imposing tariffs doesn’t strengthen economies but weakens them by driving up costs, disrupting cross-border trade, and putting millions of jobs at risk on both sides of the border.

While in Washington, we emphasized that tariffs act as a tax on American families and businesses, and are not a win for the U.S. economy. Instead, we called for collaborative solutions to grow our $1.3 trillion annual trade relationship and protect the millions of jobs it supports.

Beyond this week, our advocacy continues at full speed. We’re championing policies to remove barriers, diversify trading partners, and prepare Canada for potential economic impacts. Tools like our Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker, paired with ongoing dialogue with government, business leaders and media in both countries, are critical to driving this message home. For Canada and the U.S., the path to prosperity lies in working together, not apart.

COMMENTARY

Canada’s headline inflation slowed to 1.8% in December, coming in just under expectations. While easing price pressures are offering some relief, the bigger picture is getting tricky. With tariffs looming and a weaker Canadian dollar in the mix, things could get more complicated for the economy. 

Our Senior Economist, Andrew DiCapua, explains that stronger business activity is giving the Bank of Canada some flexibility, but with a 25-basis point rate cut on the horizon, they’re proceeding cautiously. Could bold action be next?

STATEMENT

For months, we have warned that the government’s increase to the capital gains inclusion rate is bad for business. 

At such a sensitive time for Canadians and our businesses, we’re happy to see the Conservative Party of Canada commit to reversing this tax increase to the Capital Gains Inclusion Rate, if elected. 

EVENT-RECAP

Artificial intelligence is expected to be a significant point of discussion during the May 2025 G7 Summit. That’s why, in September 2024, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Consulate General of Canada to the United States in New York, convened a special mission that brought together various American and Canadian stakeholders from the AI policy space.

Over two days, attendees dove into the future of AI and its place in the broader U.S.-Canada relationship. 

EVENT

On February 6, we will be hosting the next annual Japan-Canada Chambers Council (JCCC) meeting in Ottawa. Since 2014, the JCCC has served as a high-level forum for government and business officials to build relationships, share knowledge and advocate for policies that support bilateral trade.

Registration is very limited so make sure to act fast if you want to join the conversation.  

Lodestar Structures: Revolutionizing Community Infrastructure  

Innovation plays a key role in revolutionizing community infrastructure. Lodestar Structures is investing in innovation to shift the paradigm on community development.

Learn more about their work in this week’s featured partner blog post. 

Navigating Net Zero 

The cement and concrete industry represent 7–8% of the world’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As we continue our path of urban infrastructure development, the building solutions industry must get innovative.

Learn more about this dilemma in this featured blog post from Lafarge Canada.