Medicine Hat, AB – The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is calling for immediate action to strengthen Canada's competitiveness, reduce regulatory barriers, improve internal trade, and diversify markets as the Canada-U.S. trade dispute enters a new phase of uncertainty.

Recent tariff actions by both Canada and the United States have increased pressure on businesses across Southeast Alberta. The region's economy relies on integrated North American supply chains and strong access to domestic and international markets. New tariffs and counter-tariffs are expected to increase costs, disrupt supply chains, delay investment decisions, and create further uncertainty for employers and workers.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce recently described Canada-U.S. trade relations as entering "uncharted territory" and emphasized the importance of a coordinated effort to support businesses, workers, and families through a period of significant economic uncertainty. The Chamber Network has been tasked with helping businesses navigate available supports and adapt to rapidly changing market conditions.

"Businesses in Southeast Alberta are resilient, but resilience alone is not a strategy, as they’ve dealt with challenge after challenge for over a decade now," said Aaron Fleming, President of the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce. "This trade dispute underscores the need to address long-standing barriers that limit Canada's competitiveness. We need policies that encourage Canadian businesses to do business within Canada, and the infrastructure to do so. We need governments and governance that encourage international trade and open the routes up to business.  We need governments on both sides of our border to remember the great allies we are and make a trade deal that builds our economies that jointly rely on each other."

Local businesses have already raised concerns about rising costs, inventory availability, supplier challenges, inflation, and policy uncertainty. Those pressures are expected to intensify as tariffs ripple through supply chains and increase the cost of equipment, materials, technology, and consumer goods.

While the Chamber recognizes the need to defend Canadian interests and support workers impacted by tariffs, it believes governments must simultaneously focus on removing barriers to growth.

"Canada cannot tariff its way to prosperity," said Fleming. "We need to focus on what we can control. That means reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, eliminating barriers to internal trade, improving labour mobility, accelerating nation-building infrastructure, and creating the conditions that allow businesses to compete and grow. We need to tear down our internal borders, work together as a country, and set an example on how to be neighbours to forge a trade deal that works."

The Chamber notes that internal trade barriers continue to restrict commerce within Canada, limiting opportunities for businesses to expand and reducing the country's economic efficiency. Previous Chamber advocacy has highlighted that reducing internal trade barriers represents one of Canada's most significant economic opportunities and is a critical step toward strengthening economic resilience during periods of international trade disruption.

The Chamber is also calling for a renewed focus on market diversification and export growth. "Too many Canadian businesses remain overly dependent on a single market," Fleming added. "This is a critical opportunity to strengthen trade relationships across Canada and around the world, expand export opportunities, and support businesses in reaching new customers. Diversification is not simply a response to today's challenges; it is an investment in Canada's long-term prosperity."

The federal government has announced additional support measures for businesses affected by tariffs, including expanded funding through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, financing supports, market diversification initiatives, and worker retention programs designed to help businesses adapt to evolving trade conditions.

The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce will continue working with businesses, industry associations, governments, and the Canadian Chamber network to ensure local concerns are heard and that businesses have access to the information, supports, and advocacy they need.

"Our message is straightforward," said Fleming. "Protecting Canadian businesses means more than responding to tariffs. It means building a stronger, more competitive economy by reducing barriers, improving productivity, expanding market access, and creating an environment where businesses can thrive. If we take the right actions now, this challenge can become an opportunity to build a stronger Southeast Alberta and a stronger Canada."

Resources:

• Letter from the Canadian Chamber
  • Share your input with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
• View the Canadian Chamber Statement on Trade Talks
• Support Local First 
• Buy Local Alberta
• Trade and Tariff Resources
• Regional Tariff Response Initiative Background  
• Federal Government Support for Canadian workers and businesses affected by U.S. tariffs
• List of products subject to new counter tariffs effective September 8, 2026

Please direct all media inquiries to:

Aaron Fleming, President
Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce
Phone: (403) 527-5214 ext. 225
www.southeastalbertachamber.ca

The Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven, volunteer-led organization, proudly representing the interests of businesses in our region, and working diligently to stimulate a strengthened and vibrant economy through our connections, support and influence. For over 125 years, the Chamber has stood for promoting business, monitoring government and championing managed growth in the local economy. The Chamber represents close to 900 businesses in our region and is aligned with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC), which represents over 24,000 businesses, the Canadian Chambers of Commerce (CCC), which represents over 200,000 businesses and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), representing over 45 million companies in more than 170 countries. With the largest and most influential business organizations locally, provincially, federally and internationally, the Chamber network is the most unified, valued and influential business network in Canada and works together to shape policy and programs that will make a difference to businesses in our region.