Canadian Business Groups Urge Caution Amid U.S. Trade Negotiations

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) couldn’t be more worried about the deeply troubling and secretive trade negotiations currently underway between Canada and the United States. We think no deal is better than a bad deal. CFIB is the voice of approximately 100,000 small businesses in Canada. They implore loud and clear for more…

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Canadian Business Groups Urge Caution Amid U.S. Trade Negotiations

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) couldn’t be more worried about the deeply troubling and secretive trade negotiations currently underway between Canada and the United States. We think no deal is better than a bad deal. CFIB is the voice of approximately 100,000 small businesses in Canada. They implore loud and clear for more predictable trade policies that directly affect Canadian businesses. The overall uncertainty around these negotiations has created widespread confusion among businesses about how to proceed. That kind of uncertainty will result in major reductions and job eliminations.

In meetings with CFIB representatives, it became clear these trade discussions are far from over. This uncertainty has fostered worry and concern among their members. So it’s no wonder that business owners say they’re growing more anxious about their futures as they wait for possible trade agreement changes to emerge. U.S. President Donald Trump did the same thing last week when he imposed a 35 percent tariff on a large majority of Canadian goods. This electronic binding move has made the situation even more difficult for Canadian businesses.

Urgency for Certainty in Trade Agreements

CFIB is hopeful that businesses in both Canada and the U.S. are clamouring for greater certainty on trade relations and they certainly need it. The organization argues that the current climate of unpredictability hampers small businesses’ ability to make informed decisions about investment and growth. Many members find themselves in a holding pattern, hesitant to commit to new projects or expand their operations until they understand the ramifications of the impending trade deal.

The concern over a poorly developed deal doing more damage is real and widespread among CFIB members. We are therefore disappointed by the direction of the organization’s position. They hope that Canada will continue pressing the issue and insist that the U.S. not pass such a damaging deal in a hurry. They are rightly concerned that a badly negotiated trade agreement might leave juggernaut American businesses to thrash Canadian industries. As a result, their long-term viability is in jeopardy.

Impact on Employment and Operations

The deepening uncertainty caused by the ongoing trade negotiations is what’s keeping business owners of every type — from manufacturers to service providers — up at night. As everyone knows, with most companies deciding whether to reduce the size of their business or which employees to terminate, the stakes are higher than ever. CFIB emphasizes that the uncertainty caused by these negotiations is wreaking havoc on business planning. It’s not just shaping the workplace – it’s affecting hiring decisions too.

As these small businesses still struggle with many of these burdens today, they all look to CFIB for knowledge, advice, and advocacy. The organization remains committed to advocating for its members’ interests, emphasizing the importance of securing a fair and beneficial trade deal. CFIB does not plan to let up on the campaign for an approach that favours the long-term viability of Canadian businesses over short-term profits.

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