U.S. Tariff Delay: Canada must act now to strengthen internal trade
VANCOUVER, B.C. —The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s President and CEO, Bridgitte Anderson, made the following statement regarding the latest deadline to President Trump’s tariffs:
“By extending the threat of tariffs for another month President Trump continues to compound the damage done to our national economy and lower the collective standard of living for both Canadians and Americans. Instability and uncertainty are the death knell of a healthy economy - businesses need clarity to plan, invest, and grow.
“While we cannot control external threats like U.S. tariffs, we can remove the internal barriers that are holding back Canadian businesses. By breaking down these obstacles, we can lower costs, attract investment, and make Canada a true free trade jurisdiction—one that is resilient in the face of global uncertainty.
“Our report, Unleashing local trade & production within Canada, released earlier today, outlines the economic windfall Canadians stand to gain by eliminating interprovincial trade barriers and enhancing east-west trade corridors. Such as increasing our national real GDP by 3.8%, translating to a $2,130 increase per person.
“Economic growth is the key to prosperity and affordability. Removing internal trade barriers could increase B.C.’s GDP by $7.6 billion and generate an additional $1.7 billion in government revenues.”
To drive economic growth and enhance Canada’s real GDP potential, GVBOT urges federal and provincial governments to:
- Commit to national mutual recognition on all items, including services and labour.
- Ensure all products that can be sold in one province can be sold across Canada.
- Open direct-to-consumer beer and alcohol sales nationally.
- A commitment by Premiers to not implement non-tariff barriers for inter-provincial infrastructure projects.
- Mitigate regulatory complexities to enhance business competitiveness.
-30-
About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:
Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Western Canada's leading business association, engaging our members to inform public policy at all levels of government and empowering them to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one-third of B.C.'s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through unique programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events platforms in the country, providing a stage for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.'s business leaders.
Media contact:
Federico Cerani
Communications Manager
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 | media@boardoftrade.com