New U.S. Tariffs Demand Immediate Action to Protect Quebec Businesses and Strengthen Our Economy - The West Island Montreal Chamber of Commerce
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New U.S. Tariffs Demand Immediate Action To Protect Quebec Businesses And Strengthen Our Economy

New U.S. Tariffs Demand Immediate Action to Protect Quebec Businesses and Strengthen Our Economy

Pointe-Claire, July 23, 2026 — The West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce is deeply concerned by the announcement of new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. These measures once again fuel a climate of uncertainty that undermines one of the world’s most important trading relationships and will have direct consequences for businesses throughout the West Island and across Quebec
Quebec will bear a disproportionate share of the impact, as many of the industries targeted by these new tariffs are economic pillars for our regions, supporting thousands of jobs and driving local prosperity.

We fully support the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec’s assessment: rather than waiting for a policy reversal in Washington, governments and industry must focus on the actions that are within our control to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of our economy.

“The West Island is one of Quebec’s leading economic engines. Our business community is home to world-class manufacturers, aerospace leaders, innovative technology firms, logistics companies, exporters, retailers, and the small and medium-sized businesses that keep our local economy thriving. Every new tariff creates uncertainty that affects investment decisions, supply chains, and ultimately local jobs.

While we cannot control the decisions made in Washington, we can control how we respond here at home. Now is the time to take decisive action to support our businesses, diversify our export markets, and invest in the strategic infrastructure that will strengthen our competitiveness for years to come. Our entrepreneurs have consistently demonstrated resilience and innovation—they deserve the same determination from governments.”

— Sophia Lavergne, General Manager, West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce

The priorities are clear. Governments must act quickly to:

  • Promote Canadian and Quebec products in public procurement;
  • Remove restrictions on temporary foreign workers, whose contributions remain essential to addressing persistent labour shortages;
  • Invest in strategic energy and infrastructure projects that strengthen our economic capacity and reduce our dependence on external markets;
  • Reinstate Canadian tariff exemptions on U.S. steel products;
  • Provide affected businesses with non-repayable financial support to maintain liquidity and weather the combined impact of U.S. tariffs and Canadian counter-tariffs.

At the same time, we must accelerate efforts to diversify our export markets. Europe remains an indispensable strategic partner, and Quebec businesses have every reason to strengthen their presence across European markets while pursuing new international opportunities. Expanding our trade relationships will make our economy more resilient and less vulnerable to future disruptions.The current situation is a clear reminder that Quebec cannot afford to rely on uncertainty or political shifts beyond its borders. We must invest in our competitiveness, support our businesses, and seize every opportunity to strengthen our economic future.

Our businesses in the West Island of Montreal are at the heart of this challenge. From advanced manufacturing and aerospace to transportation, logistics, life sciences, food processing, technology, and the many small and medium-sized businesses that form the backbone of our local economy, the impact of these tariffs will be felt across our community. Many of these companies are deeply integrated into North American supply chains and depend on stable, predictable trade conditions to remain competitive, invest, and create jobs.

Our business community has consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation, and the ability to adapt in the face of uncertainty. They now need governments to demonstrate the same resolve through decisive leadership and concrete action. By supporting businesses today, we are protecting local jobs, strengthening our regional economy, and ensuring that the West Island remains a dynamic hub for investment, innovation, and international trade. The time to act is now.

ABOUT THE WEST ISLAND OF MONTREAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce (WIMCC) is the voice of the West Island business community and is dedicated to encouraging and promoting business community development.

Media inquiries: Sophia Lavergne, General Manager, West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce
514.697.4228 ext. 103 | slavergne@ccoim.ca

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