QUEEN'S PARK– Ontario NDP Small Business Shadow Minister Terence Kernaghan (London North Centre) is calling on the federal and provincial government to take immediate action to protect small businesses in London and across Ontario from the growing economic impacts of the Canada-U.S. trade dispute.
“Every business and household are feeling the immediate impacts of this trade dispute, and their long-term survival is under threat. People are hurting. With tariffs driving up costs, reducing sales and putting local jobs at risk, small businesses deserve immediate support.
"The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has raised concerns about the eligibility requirements that could leave some smaller businesses without access to tariff relief. Federal tariff supports need to be accessible to businesses of all sizes, and remove arbitrary revenue and employee thresholds, alongside provincial financing and employment supports for affected businesses and workers. Ontario must also bring in stronger Buy Ontario First procurement legislation to create more opportunities for local businesses, and help support small businesses looking to diversify their target markets and supply chains beyond the United States.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Ontario's economy. They employ our neighbours, support our communities, and invest in our local economy. Small businesses did not create this trade dispute, and they should not be left to carry the cost of it alone.”