The Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent-Leamington wants to hear ideas from local businesses on how to best deal with the economic uncertainty brought on by the threat of U.S. tariffs.
Chatham-Kent-Leamington MP Dave Epp announced on Monday that he is surveying local businesses to determine what their concerns are and what ideas they have for a more sustainable economy, both locally and nationally.
Epp told CK News Today it's a listening exercise to help stop this wild roller coaster ride that all Canadians are on.
"They say 'it is an ill wind that blows no good.' And so we must now approach the economic situation in which we find ourselves. We need to focus on a better path forward," said Epp. “The United States has introduced great economic uncertainty to our country, and we must not only determine how to best respond in the coming weeks, but also how we can best chart a more sustainable path going forward."
Epp said retaliatory tariffs should not be the first response, but if they become reality, the revenue generated from them must go to help industries and workers most affected by them.
He also said government mechanisms, such as tax cuts, must also be used to spur businesses and help them navigate the predicted choppy economic waters.
Epp added inter-provincial trade barriers must also be worked out.
"One day at a time and we'll have a broader picture. I think a lot of us regret we weren't more proactive in our self-sufficiency and our access to other markets. None of us want to be here, but we have to retaliate dollar for dollar if tariffs come on," the MP said. "We have to make it attractive for our businesses to invest here. We have to do more to add value to our natural resources, pipelines, mines, factories, and port expansions."
Some ideas already being floated is to buy Canadian, break down inter-provincial trade barriers, expand Canadian trade, and reduce Canada's heavy dependence on the U.S., just to mention a few.
Epp said he kept this initial survey brief and included five basic questions:
How could you be impacted by the 25% (or less, or more) tariff, if implemented?
How would you like to see Canadian governments respond?
How can we encourage a "Canada First" (strategy) in terms of how Canadians spend?
How can we encourage local residents to be aware of the good things we have here locally?
If you could send a message to Donald Trump, what would you say?
Epp noted a summary of the survey results will be shared locally and with federal officials.
"As your Member of Parliament, I am committed to standing up for Canadian families, workers, and businesses. My priority is always putting Chatham-Kent-Leamington and Canada first. Canada is facing a major crisis and the Liberal Party continues to still prorogue Parliament. President Trump has put a 28-day pause on his tariffs, but nothing can be taken for granted!" said Epp.
The latest threat by President Donald Trump is to slap 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including from Canada.
Epp said that will hurt local steel and aluminum processors because they export a lot of cans to the U.S.
Epp said President Trump is difficult to read making the issue more complicated.
"If you're looking for an educated response as to what is going on, I'm not in a position to give it to you. We're watching it unfold. This is unseen, uncharted territory for us as Canadians. I'll give Mister Trump credit for this -- he has united our country," said Epp.
Survey responses can be sent to Dave.Epp@parl.gc.ca.