CCI Response to U.S. Trade Hostilities

Today, the U.S. government announced new tariffs that will directly impact Canadian businesses and workers. These latest trade measures serve as a reminder that Canada cannot afford to be complacent about its economic future. In response, CCI President Benjamin Bergen has issued the following statement on behalf of our members:

"The latest tariffs imposed by the U.S. government are another stark reminder that Canada cannot take access to the American market for granted. Now is a moment for us to prove what we’re capable of; we can build a better and more resilient economy starting today. While we fully support the federal government’s decision to respond with countermeasures, retaliation alone is not a strategy. Canada needs a long-term plan that strengthens our domestic economy, reduces our dependence on unpredictable trading partners, and ensures Canadian firms have the tools they need to compete globally.

"This moment demands more than short-term relief—it demands a fundamental shift in how we think about economic security. Canada remains overly dependent on exporting low-margin raw materials instead of high-value, innovation-driven goods and services. This weakens our negotiating power in global trade and leaves us vulnerable to external economic pressures. A strong response to these tariffs means more than just countermeasures—it means a serious commitment to changing our economic model.

"For decades, Canada’s trade strategy has assumed stability in our relationship with the U.S. That assumption is no longer valid. It is time to take bold action to secure our economic future—by backing Canadian firms, ensuring they have access to growth capital, and positioning them as leaders in global supply chains. This is not just about responding to tariffs—it’s about building an economy that is stronger, more independent, and less vulnerable to political volatility beyond our borders."

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Media Contact:
James McLeod
Director of Communications & Content
jmcleod@canadianinnovators.org