‘Deeply concerned’: Kelowna Chamber releases statement on Canada

‘Deeply concerned’: Kelowna Chamber releases statement on Canada-U.S. trade talks

Published 11:09 am Thursday, August 27, 2026

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is letting residents know that the latest tariffs imposed on Canada will hurt local businesses.

On Tuesday, Aug. 25, the Chamber released a statement about the new tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. This comes after trade talks between Canada and the U.S. broke down on Friday, Aug. 21.

“The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, alongside Chamber colleagues across the country, is deeply concerned over the collapse of trade talks and the impact of both new and continuing tariffs, which raise costs for businesses and consumers on both sides of the border,” reads the chamber’s release. “This latest round of tariffs imposed by the United States unfairly targets many British Columbia businesses and threatens jobs, investment and economic growth throughout the province.”

After trade talks broke down, Trump imposed the 50 per cent increase on tariffs on Saturday, Aug. 22. According to the chamber, this translates to roughly $27 billion CAD of Canadian goods, with 14 per cent of Canada’s exports to the U.S. now affected. Immediately, Prime Minister Mark Carney imposed retaliatory tariffs on the U.S., also at 50 per cent.

“The response from Canadians has been overwhelmingly positive for walking away from a bad deal, characterized as worse than no deal,” said the chamber. “The months ahead, however, will be hard for business.”

The chamber stated businesses across the country will feel the effects of the imposed tariffs. In B.C., the forestry industry will be impacted the most.

In its statement, the chamber said the best case scenario is for the two countries to come to a trade agreement.

“The best outcome for both Canada and the United States is a durable agreement that provides certainty for businesses, workers and investors,” the chamber stated. “At the same time, this is a reminder that Canada cannot afford to wait. Governments must move urgently to reduce internal trade barriers, build trade-enabling infrastructure, advance major resource and industrial projects, diversify export markets, and do everything they can to strengthen Canada’s competitiveness.”

From April 2025 to May 2026, Canada’s trade export percentage to the US had dropped to 72 per cent. It’s expected its dropped more over the last few months.