Which American Cities Are the Most Export-Dependent on Canada?
The Business Data Lab explores the U.S. cities that would be most impacted by decreased demand from Canada. A new report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab reveals just how important Canadian trade is to many U.S. cities. Using 2023 data, the report ranks 41 metro areas by how dependent they are…
Tariffs-101
What Barrie Businesses Need To Know Tariffs are often headline news, yet many businesses still find the concept unclear or disconnected from their day-to-day operations. In reality, tariffs play a crucial role in shaping market dynamics, pricing, competitiveness and supply chains. Especially in a trade-dependent region like ours, where Canada and the United States maintain…
2025 Federal Election
Join us for an opportunity to meet your federal candidates ahead of the upcoming election. The Barrie Chamber of Commerce is a non-partisan organization, the Barrie Chamber of Commerce works with all elected officials to support local businesses and broader economic development. This event provides a platform for all confirmed candidates to introduce themselves, share…
eNewsletter: New Year Business Highlights 2025
March 13, 2025 Celebrating Our Members! The start of 2025 has been an exciting whirlwind, from hosting the Mayor’s Luncheon and two Business After 5 (BA5) events to the Women in Business Awards Gala, all while navigating the ever-evolving business and economic landscape with a provincial election and tariff threats from south of the border.…
Barrie Chamber of Commerce Response to U.S. Tariffs: March 4, 2025
MARCH 12, 2025: Ontario Suspends Energy Surcharge, U.S. Halts Tariff Increase. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has suspended the 25% surcharge on energy exports to the U.S. in exchange for a meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. In response, President Trump has halted his plan to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, keeping the…
2025 Provincial Election: Candidate Questions
Barrie-Innisfil Registration MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2025 5PM – 8PM Traditions at Sheba Shrine, 142 John Street, Barrie Confirmed Candidate Attendance at the time of posting in alphabetical order (subject to change): Andrew Harrigan, NDP Andrea Khanjin, PC Sam Mangiapane, New Blue Party All confirmed candidates were invited to participate and provided with an equal opportunity…
Ontario Chamber Announces Co-Chairs of Business and Trade Leadership Coalition
Chris Conway and James Scongack join OCC CEO, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and other leaders during visit to Washington, DC (Toronto, ON and Washington, DC – February 12, 2025) – The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) today announced the appointment of two distinguished leaders as co-chairs of its Ontario Business and Trade Leadership Coalition (OBTLC): James Scongack, Chief…
Barrie Chamber of Commerce Survey: Impact of Proposed Tariffs
[BARRIE – January 3, 2025] There is a 30-day delay in proposed U.S. tariffs, providing a brief window for negotiations, but uncertainty remains. If imposed, these tariffs, along with likely Canadian retaliatory measures, could: Disrupt businesses Raise costs Slow U.S. orders Your feedback is essential to shaping our advocacy efforts and ensuring Barrie businesses receive…
Barrie Chamber: Statement on Canada’s Economic Strength and U.S. Trade Tariffs
The Barrie Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the recent 30-day delay in the implementation of the proposed 25% U.S. tariffs on Canadian products. While this delay provides a short window for further negotiations, uncertainty remains. If these tariffs take effect, they will pose significant challenges for businesses, workers, and families in Barrie and across the country.…
Proposed International Student Rule Changes Could Lead to $1.7 Billion Economic Impact
Georgian College president and CEO Kevin Weaver – Barrie Chamber of Commerce Photo, Barrie Business Awards 2025 Georgian College has raised an urgent concern about proposed federal changes to international student regulations, which could lead to a staggering $1.7 billion economic impact on Barrie. International students contribute significantly to our local economy, supporting industries like…
Toronto Star: Opinion | It’s the $1 trillion economy, stupid: How Canadian business can stickhandle the looming Trump tariff reality
Canada and the United States have a compelling interest in maintaining free trade, as both nations stand to gain from renewing the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) when it comes up for review in 2026. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press file photo Toronto Star – Business: Contributor Daniel Tisch is president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of…
Canadian Chamber Statement Regarding Justin Trudeau’s Resignation Announcement
Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau read the room and made the right call by stepping down today. Canadian Chamber of Commerce – January 6, 2025 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau read the room and made the right call by announcing his resignation today. His resignation marks a turning point as Canada tackles unprecedented…
Ontario Chamber Calls for New Economic Vision Following PM’s Resignation
Ontario Chamber Calls for New Economic Vision Following PM’s Resignation Canadian Chamber Statement Regarding Justin Trudeau’s Resignation Announcement (TORONTO – January 6, 2024)Â – The Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, Daniel Tisch, released a statement following Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation today as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada: “Prime Minister Trudeau’s decision enables…
Don’t Let Emails Bounce: Keep Your Business Connected
In today’s digital age, missed emails can mean missed opportunities. Many businesses are unaware of their own email settings. Spam filters and inbox management are often the cause of important messages being blocked from being delivered. Here’s why emails might not make it to your inbox, how to fix it, and ways to keep your…
Canadian Chamber 2024 Fall Economic Statement – Our Policy Experts’ Insights
Policy experts from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce have reviewed the FES in detail, and their perspective on its implications for Canadian business can be found below. On December 16 2024, the Government of Canada released its 2024 Fall Economic Statement (FES). Statement from President and CEO Canada’s business community remains extremely worried by the…
Attention Businesses: GST/HST Holiday Tax Break
The Government of Canada announced on November 21, 2024, a temporary GST/HST Holiday Tax Break on specific items, effective December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025. This initiative is designed to provide Canadians with financial relief during the holiday season. However, the timing and scope of this measure may pose challenges for businesses, especially during…
Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Trump’s 25% Tariff Threat
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab (BDL) has released alarming new figures on the economic fallout of the 25% tariff on U.S. imports proposed by President-elect Donald Trump. New Analysis Reveals Severe Economic Fallout for Both Canada and the U.S. November 28, 2024 – Canadian Chamber of Commerce FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Ottawa, November…
Barrie Chamber Responds to Lakehead University’s Expansion
Press Release For Immediate Release Barrie Chamber of Commerce Responds to Lakehead University’s Expansion: A Catalyst for Economic and Social Growth [BARRIE, ON – Nov. 22, 2024] The Barrie Chamber of Commerce enthusiastically welcomes the announcement by Mayor Alex Nuttall and the City of Barrie regarding Lakehead University’s forthcoming expansion into our community, with a…