The Chamber is committed to supporting Abbotsford businesses through its national advocacy efforts, buy-local campaign, and resource page as we navigate uncertainty around potential tariffs.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Abbotsford, BC – Feb 4th, 2025 – As consumers look to shift purchasing patterns to support Canadian businesses, the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce is promoting local businesses through its Business Directory and ‘Proud Member, Proudly Canadian’ decals that will be going out across the business community this week.
In light of potential tariffs from the U.S. administration, The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce has also developed a new survey for local businesses to track the potential impacts of U.S. tariffs on their operations. Also available is a dedicated resource page to provide businesses with valuable information and support as they navigate these uncertain times and look at building greater resiliency and competitiveness.
“This is a wakeup call for Canada. With tariff-related uncertainties affecting a wide range of industries, especially our agricultural exporters and manufacturers, it is critical that we understand how these trade policies are impacting our local businesses,” said Alex Mitchell, CEO of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. “This survey will allow us to collect key data to advocate effectively for policies that support our business community.”
The survey aims to capture insights into how businesses might experience changes in costs, supply chains, and overall market conditions that could result from tariffs. The findings will help the Chamber represent business interests at all levels of government and work towards solutions that mitigate economic strain.
The new Tariff Resource Page will serve as a central hub for up-to-date information, policy developments, and practical tools to help businesses respond to the evolving trade landscape. The resource page includes:
- Regular updates on tariff policies and negotiations
- Guidance on mitigating tariff impacts
- Government programs and financial assistance options
- Advocacy efforts led by the Chamber on behalf of local businesses
“We encourage all businesses, whether they might be directly or indirectly affected, to participate in the survey and access the resources available,” added Alex Mitchell. “By working together, we can strengthen our advocacy efforts and ensure that Abbotsford businesses have the support they need.”
For more information, to take the survey, or to access the new resource page, please visit www.abbotsfordchamber.comadvocacy/tariff-resources/ or contact the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce at hello@abbotsfordchamber.com
Read the Chamber’s Feb 3rd Statement on the Announcement to Delay Tariffs 30 days:
“The 30-day tariff delay is an opportunity for Canada to reinforce how economically damaging the introduction of tariffs and a subsequent potential trade war would be for Canadians and Americans. Tariffs need to be taken completely off the table.”
“As we navigate these uncertain times, we can’t wait any longer to take competitiveness and the resiliency of our economy seriously. BC is already facing serious economic headwinds, and now is the time to bring forward a bold agenda for growth that includes a mission for economic development by incentivizing innovation, accelerating approvals and permitting, building major projects, cutting red tape, and tearing down the longstanding barriers to interprovincial trade that leave our economy less productive and less competitive. We also need to take decisive action in diversifying our markets and reducing our reliance on one trading partner.”
“The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce has been here for over 110 years, and on behalf of the 750 business we represent, we will continue to be the voice of business, advocating for our members to create a better and stronger business community.” - Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce CEO, Alex Mitchell
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About the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce:
The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce has served the business community of Abbotsford with an attitude of vibrant engagement and proactive non-partisan advocacy for over 110 years. With over 750 members, it is the largest Chamber in the Fraser Valley, located in the 5th largest city in the province. The Abbotsford Chamber is nationally accredited to meet standards of business excellence and provide benefits to its member organizations.
Media Contact:
Taylor Carlson
Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator
Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
marketing@abbotsfordchamber.com
604-859-965