A Message on the Tariff Situation, and How We’re Supporting You

August 25, 2026

This past week brought a real escalation: trade talks between Canada and the U.S. broke down, new U.S. tariffs of up to 50% took effect on a wide range of Canadian goods, and Canada responded with dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs along with billions in federal support for affected workers and businesses. If you’re feeling uncertain about what this means for your business, you’re not alone, and that’s exactly why I’m writing.

I want you to know the Whitby Chamber isn’t sitting on the sidelines. Here’s what we’re doing:

Keeping you informed — We’re tracking the situation closely and will send timely updates as things change, along with a resource hub linking the government relief programs and tools that apply to you. No digging through ten different websites to find what you need.
Advocating on your behalf — We’re raising what we’re hearing from you directly with our municipality, local MPs and MPPs, and through the Ontario and Canadian Chamber networks, so Whitby businesses aren’t an afterthought in provincial and federal decisions.
Bringing in expertise — If you feel there is value, we can organize sessions with trade lawyers, customs brokers, and accountants who can walk you through practical next steps, from tariff classification to duty relief options to cash-flow planning.

I won’t pretend to have all the answers today, this situation is moving fast, and it’s hitting businesses differently depending on your industry and supply chain. But I do want you to know the Chamber is here, we’re paying close attention, and we’re working to make sure you have the information and support you need to make good decisions for your business.

If you’re being directly affected by the tariffs, I’d genuinely like to hear from you. Reply to this email or give me a call, the more we understand what you’re facing, the better we can advocate and shape our support around real needs.

The Whitby Chamber will continue amplify the voice of business continue to build a stronger, more prosperous future for our region.

We’ll get through this together.

Karey Anne Large

CEO