West Island Chamber of Commerce Sounds the Alarm on U.S. Tariffs: 80% of Businesses Surveyed Affected
In the face of escalating tariffs, the West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce calls for enhanced measures to protect business competitiveness and supply chain.
Pointe-Claire, August 26th, 2026 — The West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce expresses its deep disappointment following the recent government announcements resulting from the deadlock in negotiations between Canada and the United States, as well as the imposition of new U.S. tariffs on Canadian products. These measures once again heighten the uncertainty surrounding one of the world’s most important trading relationships and are likely to have direct and significant consequences for businesses in our region and across Quebec’s economy.
According to a new survey conducted by the Fédération des Chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) and shared by the West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce (WIMCC), more than one in two responding businesses is affected by at least one U.S. tariff, whether through existing tariffs (Section 232), the newly announced tariffs (Section 338), or multiple measures simultaneously. This tariff war is hitting Quebec’s small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) particularly hard. According to the FCCQ survey conducted from August 3 to 13, 2026, 80% of responding businesses reported being affected by its consequences.
“In Montreal’s West Island, many businesses are already telling us that they have had to reconsider certain investments, delay projects, or reassess their growth outlook. Beyond the numbers, what is at stake is the ability of our businesses to remain competitive and to maintain quality jobs. It is essential that governments act quickly to restore a climate of predictability for businesses and that trade negotiations between Canada and the United States continue,” stated:
— Sophia Lavergne, General Manager, West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce
The new tariffs set to come into force will place additional pressure on West Island businesses, many of which are deeply integrated into North American supply chains. Whether in aerospace, manufacturing, life sciences, technology, transportation, logistics, or food processing, our entire economic ecosystem could be affected by rising costs, operational delays, and growing uncertainty weighing on trade. As the resilience and efficiency of supply chains remain essential to the prosperity of our businesses, it is imperative to preserve conditions that support trade and investment in order to sustain economic growth and the creation of quality jobs.
Beyond the support measures announced by the Quebec government, notably through the FORCE and PAUPME programs, as well as the $7.5 billion made available to businesses by the Federal government, the survey highlights the need for rapid, targeted government support tailored to the realities of exporting companies. For many of these businesses, the challenge goes beyond rising costs. It is also about preserving their production capacity, maintaining jobs, retaining access to the U.S. market, and accelerating their efforts to diversify into new export markets.
The West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce (WIMCC) and the Fédération des Chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) therefore recommend significantly increasing non-repayable financial assistance for liquidity and working capital, implementing a temporary tax holiday or income tax relief for affected businesses, and strengthening both financial support and advisory services aimed at export market diversification. However, for many entrepreneurs, the current challenges extend beyond strictly financial considerations. They also need practical, accessible, and human-centered support to help them navigate the rapid changes affecting their business environment. In this regard, Chambers of commerce are indispensable partners, providing guidance to businesses, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration, and helping entrepreneurs identify opportunities that will enable them to remain competitive and resilient in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty.
As these new tariffs threaten to further weaken trade relations between Canada and the United States, it is imperative to implement concrete measures that are tailored to the realities faced by businesses on the ground. The West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce will remain actively engaged in ensuring that the voice of the business community is heard and in supporting the actions needed to preserve business competitiveness, supply chain stability, and Quebec’s economic prosperity.”
– Sophia Lavergne, General Manager, West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce.
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
Several resources are available to help navigate customs tariffs:
Offered by The Government of Quebec:
FORCE = Offensive Fund for Strengthening Economic Capacity
PAUPME = Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs
Offered by The Government of Canada:
List of products from the United States subject to counter-tariffs
Support for Canadian workers and businesses affected by U.S. tariffs
Support for workers and employers impacted by tariffs
Diversification Fund for a Strong Canada = A Strong Canada Program
Credit Facility for Large Businesses Affected by Tariffs