Vernon Matters file photo

By Liam Verster

Tariff Threat Response

Vernon Chamber calls for Parliament to resume amid tariff threats

Jan 30, 2025 | 12:58 PM

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce has expressed concern with the impacts potential U.S. tariffs would have on the locally and wants the Federal Government to take action.

A letter from the Chamber shared with Vernon Matters and other local media outlets, stated the possible 25 per cent tariff the United States may impose on all Canadian imports could harm the local economy and employment opportunities.

“Two key local businesses in Vernon stand to face severe repercussions if these tariffs are implemented. One large manufacturer, employing over 100 people, derives 75 per cent of its revenue from exports to the United States. Similarly, another major local employer sells 40 per cent of its products south of the border,” Kirndeep Nahal, President of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, said in the letter.

“These companies are vital to our local economy, providing jobs and contributing to the overall prosperity of our region. The proposed tariffs threaten their operations, with potential ripple effects likely to be felt cross their supply chains, employees, and the broader community.”

The letter added trade between Canada and the U.S. is valued at $1.3-trillion annually, and the Canadian Chamber’s Business Data Lab had determined that the proposed tariffs would reduce real annual income by $1,9000 CAD per Canadian and $1,300 USD per American.

August 2023 Crash

Charges laid in helicopter crash near Enderby

3h ago

HWY 6 Crash

UPDATE: Traffic light still out on HWY 6 following crash

3h ago

Flight from Police, Dangerous Driving

Accused in flight from police case due back in court next month

4h ago

The Greater Vernon Chamber said the proroguing of Parliament until march 24th for the Liberal party leadership race was hindering swift action by the Federal Government to respond to the threat, which coud put strain on businesses hat were already navigating uncertain economic uncertainty and, in some cases, struggling to remain competitive.

“We urge the federal government to reconvene Parliament as soon as possible so that our elected officials can prioritize addressing this urgent issue and take action to protect Canadian businesses and jobs,” Nahal’s letter said.

“The livelihoods of our residents and the future of ou local economy depend on it.”

The Greater Vernon Chamber sent the letter to the offices of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; Harjit Sajan, the Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada; and Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development.

U.S. President, Donald Trump, may impose the 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods Saturday, Feb. 1.