Governments are listening to Chamber recommendations

Daniel Tisch Echevarria, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, was recently the keynote speaker at a Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce Chamber networking lunch. From left are Ashley Edwards, CEO of the Tillsonburg Chamber; Tisch Echevarria; Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce board president Megan Causyn; and Tillsonburg Deputy Mayor Dave Beres. (Chris Abbott Photo)

Chris Abbott, Post Correspondent

Economically, Tillsonburg has been through half a decade of turmoil, said Tillsonburg Deputy Mayor Dave Beres, as he introduced Daniel Tisch Echevarria, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, keynote speaker at a May 21st Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce Chamber networking lunch.

“We’ve survived a major pandemic, we’re going through significant interest rate changes, and now we’re concerned about the tariffs,” said Beres. “And through all this, we’ve sustained considerable growth. So we have a very, very strong community that continues to grow, and we’re looking forward to the challenges of the balance of the decade.”

Tisch Echevarria kicked off his presentation praising and congratulating the leadership of the Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce, which has influenced policies of the Ontario and Canadian Chambers.

“We need this leadership more than ever,” said Tisch Echevarria, speaking to chamber members about the trade situation with the United States, what the Ontario Chamber of Commerce is hearing from Ontario businesses, ‘why are we in this mess?’, the reasons why Trump’s tariff policies are ‘ultimately disastrous’ for both Americans, Canadians, and everybody, and ‘the way forward - how we can go about looking after ourselves’ and ensuring that we can ‘control our own destiny to the greatest extent that we can.’

“All of southwestern Ontario is affected,” said Tisch Echevarria. “So much of Ontario’s economic base is tied to trade with the United States.”

He said survey results showed 60-70 per cent of Ontario businesses felt the tariffs would hurt them.

“Even the threat (of tariffs) is hurting. Even if tariffs are paused for 90 days – or whatever situation we are in – the uncertainty.”

As to why the tariffs are increasing, in part, Tisch Echevarria said, “He (Donald Trump) thinks the trade deficit with Canada is a subsidy, rather than (United States) simply consuming more than it produces.”

It affects businesses considering new investments and expansions, he said, noting businesses do not know if high tariffs are here to stay… or are they a negotiating ploy.

“You all know as business people, you can’t stand still in business, right? Because if you’re standing still, your competitors from the United States, competitors from other countries around the world, they are charging.”

Tisch Echevarria said Trump’s “obsession” about the 51st State has united Canadians, and after talking to American business leaders and Chambers, he says many are embarrassed.

“They want to resolve our differences,” he said, noting it’s only a matter of time before ‘misinformation’ is checked by economic realities - increasing inflation and unemployment.

Tisch Echevarria said Canada should explore more trade agreements with other G7 countries, diversifying trade and finding new markets.

“This damage to the reputation of US products and services could take years to repair,” he said, and US markets could be unreliable and unpredictable for an unknown number of years.

Improved domestic trading policies can be introduced, he said, removing barriers for consumers, allowing more choice for businesses with markets across the country, improving product standards, and better access to labour.

“We’ve been talking about this a long time. We’re seeing impact, we’re seeing progress… There are so many benefits.”

Improving transportation infrastructure and trade corridors are important, he said, as Canadians deal with congestion, gridlock, lack of rail infrastructure or insufficient ports.

“It’s way too hard to get goods across the province, across the country.”

The good news, he said, is that governments are listening to Chamber of Commerce recommendations, with exciting steps forward.

“I know we’re facing hard times, and realistically these times may get harder still, but I am still optimistic.”