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Chamber rallies Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows against U.S. tariffs

Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce message: buy local

Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce is rallying residents of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows in response to a proposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports. 

Chamber CEO Kristi Maier feels it is important, more so now than ever, to buy local and know the brands you are purchasing. 

"As Canadians, we don't do well with threats – we come together," she said, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of a 25-per-cent tariff that was expected to commence Tuesday, but has been deferred at least 30 days. 

Maier would like to see residents of this community stand with local businesses and support them wherever they can. 

Steve Robinson, president of Pitt Meadows Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Ltd., said his company is already working with their suppliers to pivot from the United States to European manufacturers. 

As a major contractor and manufacturer of plumbing and heating custom assemblies at the Maple Ridge location, which are installed province-wide, Robinson noted, they now want to reduce their dependency on the importation of U.S. products as quickly as they possibly can. 

"I see this as a real potential issue," he said. However, added Robinson, he thinks the threat is coming at a real opportune time. 

"As Canadians, we need this to wake us up to realize, we need a new plan B and it's sure not going to the south. It's going to go to the east and to the west," he said. 

Robinson already has alternative supply chains in mind. 

"We don't care if it's Asia, we don't care if it's Europe, but it's not going to be the U.S.," he said. He would still like to do business with Mexico, although, he expects challenges getting those products delivered by land across the U.S. now. 

Robinson said the provincial government needs to come up with actual solutions to expand the manufacturing base at every level, including the exporting of energy.

Fiona Famulak, president and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, said any extended trade war will have profoundly negative economic consequences for businesses and consumers on both sides of the border.

"“The United States and Canada have enjoyed a mutually beneficial trade relationship for generations. In fact, we are each other’s largest trading partner with nearly $3.6 billion worth of goods and services crossing the border each day," explained Famulak, noting that the tariffs will likely lead to price increases, job losses, inefficiencies in supply chains, and a drain on economic growth for both countries.

"The sad reality is that when tariffs are applied, no one wins," added Famulak.

The chamber of commerce serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows has been working for businesses in the two communities since 1999 – although it was the amalgamation of two chambers, one for each community, which have been in existence since 1910. 

The chamber currently represents and promotes more than 500 businesses in and around the city and region.

Chamber members have the opportunity to contribute to the community and influence all levels of government for positive policy change. In addition, they also receive benefits that include nationally negotiated discounts and educational and networking opportunities of value to their businesses.

Maier is hoping consumers prioritize Canadian-made products and services, especially in the wake of the international trade challenges. 

She noted that the local chamber is committed to advocating for its members and working with all levels of government to protect and strengthen the local economy. 

"Chambers exist to be the voice of business, and our voice will be loud and clear," said Maier. 



Colleen Flanagan

About the Author: Colleen Flanagan

I got my start with Black Press Media in 2003 as a photojournalist.
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