Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette has released a statement regarding trade relations between Canada and the United States.
You can read the full statement below:
Canada has been engaged in trade discussions with the United States with the objective of reaching an agreement that supports Canadian workers, businesses, farmers and families while maintaining a strong economic relationship between both countries.
Over the past month, Canadian and U.S. representatives participated in intensive negotiations. While efforts were made to reach an agreement, the two countries were ultimately unable to finalize terms. Last-minute changes in the U.S. proposed terms were unfair, uneconomic and called into question the reliability of any deal. We have always been clear Canada will not accept a bad deal.
The United States’ decision to move forward and impose a 50% tariff on roughly $28 billion of Canadian goods is deeply regrettable. In response, Canada will match those tariffs dollar for dollar to protect our workers and businesses. In the coming days, the government will introduce additional measures to support Canadian workers and businesses, building on the nearly $25 billion in support provided over the past 18 months.
We will keep focusing on what we can control; building strength here at home and diversifying our trade, so that Canada is no longer reliant on a single trading partner.
Businesses in the Bay of Quinte riding that are experiencing challenges because of these tariffs are encouraged to contact our office. Understanding the impacts on local employers, workers, producers and exporters helps ensure that the concerns of our region are communicated to the appropriate government departments and decision-makers.
Our office remains available to assist constituents in accessing information about available support programs and to hear directly from those affected by ongoing trade developments.
