Tariff Information Page
Canada–U.S. Trade & Tariff Resources
Recent changes in Canada–U.S. trade relations and the introduction of new tariffs are creating additional uncertainty and challenges for Canadian businesses.
As governments across the country respond, the Salmon Arm & District Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping our local business community stay informed, understand the supports available and navigate the potential impacts of changing trade conditions.
This page will be updated as we receive information from our federal, provincial and local representatives, the Canadian and BC Chambers of Commerce, and other trusted business organizations.
Canada Strong: Think Local. Think B.C. Think Canadian.
Now is an important time to consider where we spend our dollars.
We encourage businesses and residents to look to Salmon Arm first, then B.C. and Canada when making purchasing decisions whenever possible.
For businesses, this may mean reviewing supply chains, seeking Canadian suppliers, building new local partnerships and looking for opportunities to source products and services closer to home.
Supporting Canadian businesses strengthens our local economy, protects jobs and helps build more resilient communities.
Statement from MP Mel Arnold — KAMLOOPS–SHUSWAP–CENTRAL ROCKIES
“The trade conflict initiated by the US in February 2025 has reached a new level; Canadians and our industries need to be shielded from unfair US tariffs,” said MP Mel Arnold. “Economic, regulatory, and tax reforms can unleash growth and secure Canadian jobs, and my colleagues and I will continue to push for these actions that the federal government can and should deliver immediately. I will also be pressing the federal government to deliver relief for small businesses and consumers hardest hit by the unjustified US tariffs.”
LATEST UPDATE – AUGUST 25, 2026
Following the introduction of new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, the Government of Canada has announced additional counter-tariffs that will take effect September 8, 2026.
Canadian tariffs of 15%, 25% and 50% will apply to approximately $27.6 billion in imports from the United States, including products in sectors such as steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics.
Businesses that import goods or inputs from the United States are encouraged to review the official product list and speak with their customs broker or trade advisor to understand how the changes may affect them.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you export to the U.S. → Start with the Trade Commissioner Service and EDC.
If you import from the U.S. → Review Canada's counter-tariff list and tariff-relief information.
If tariffs are affecting your cash flow → Review BDC and federal business supports.
If you're looking to change suppliers or enter new markets → Review RTRI and Trade Commissioner resources.
If tariffs are affecting your employees → Review federal worker and employer supports.
If you're being affected locally → Complete the BC Chamber survey and contact us.
Current Tariff Response Programs
Government of Canada – Support for Businesses & Workers
The Government of Canada maintains a central resource outlining federal programs available to Canadian businesses and workers affected by tariffs.
Resources include financing, support for exporters, assistance with market diversification and programs for businesses experiencing tariff-related impacts.
New Federal Business Supports – Announced August 25
On August 25, 2026, the Government of Canada announced a $7.5 billion package of new and enhanced supports for Canadian businesses and workers affected by U.S. tariffs. The measures build on existing federal tariff-response programs and are intended to help businesses manage immediate financial pressures, retain workers, adapt operations and diversify into new markets.
New and expanded supports include:
$1.5 billion in additional funding for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) – Delivered through Canada's regional development agencies, including PacifiCan in B.C., this additional funding will support small and medium-sized businesses affected by tariffs, including assistance with liquidity pressures.
$500 million for a new BDC Pivot to Grow liquidity stream – Designed to help businesses experiencing immediate cash-flow pressures as a result of tariffs and trade disruptions.
Expanded access to BDC tariff-related programs – The minimum annual revenue requirement for businesses applying to BDC's tariff-related programs has been reduced to $1 million, allowing more businesses to potentially access support.
$2 billion for the Canada Strong Diversification Fund – Additional funding will support tariff-affected businesses with shovel-ready projects, including projects related to ongoing capital maintenance. The initiative will work alongside Canada's regional development agencies.
$3.5 billion in Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers – These measures include additional EI flexibilities, workplace training investments and the new Worker Retention and Retraining Program, designed to help employers retain their workforce during periods of trade-related disruption.
Businesses should review the full federal announcement for program details, eligibility requirements and information about how these measures will be delivered.
Additional Business Resources
Regional Tariff Response Initiative – British Columbia
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) provides support to eligible businesses affected by trade disruptions.
The program is intended for small and medium-sized businesses that export products directly or produce materials or products that become part of exported goods.
Funding is now available for eligible projects that help businesses:
- Improve productivity and competitiveness
- Diversify into new markets
- Strengthen or adjust supply chains
- Increase domestic trade
- Adapt to changing international trade conditions
- Funding levels vary depending on the applicant and project.
Trade Commissioner Service
The Trade Commissioner Service provides information and support for Canadian businesses navigating U.S. tariffs and international trade.
Resources include:
- CUSMA compliance
- Tariffs and duties
- Harmonized System (HS) codes
- Rules of origin
- Export diversification
- Identifying new international markets
- Tariff remission and relief
- Financing and risk-management resources
Province of British Columbia – Tariff Resources
The Province of B.C. maintains resources specifically for businesses navigating tariffs and changing trade conditions.
Information includes tariff guidance, financing and grants, business advisory services, importing and exporting information and links to federal and provincial programs.
Export Development Canada
Export Development Canada (EDC) provides financing, insurance and risk-management solutions for Canadian exporters and businesses connected to export supply chains.
Support may include working capital, trade credit insurance, financing and assistance with market diversification.
Business Development Bank of Canada
BDC provides financing and advisory services to Canadian businesses navigating economic and trade disruptions.
Businesses experiencing tariff-related impacts can connect directly with BDC to discuss financing and other available supports.
Additional Funding & Grant Resources
Use tools such as Grant Scout (https://grantscout.ca) to find additional grants available to support businesses.
Thank you to Grant Scout for sending this grant to us: https://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/funding-programs/partner-programs/rural-and-remote-employment-initiatives-fund/business-advisory-supports/
What Can Your Business Do Now?
Even if your business is not directly importing from or exporting to the United States, tariffs can have impacts throughout the supply chain.
Businesses can take steps now to better understand and prepare for potential impacts:
1. Review where your products, materials and equipment are sourced.
2. Identify U.S.-based suppliers and customers.
3. Ask suppliers whether tariffs are affecting their costs or pricing.
4. Determine whether Canadian alternatives are available.
5. Look for opportunities to source products and services locally.
6. Review pricing and margins under different cost scenarios.
7. Confirm CUSMA eligibility where applicable.
8. Speak with your customs broker, accountant or trade advisor about potential exposure.
9. Explore opportunities to sell into other Canadian or international markets.
10. Keep records of increased costs, lost sales or other tariff-related impacts.
BC Chamber of Commerce
August 24th Release:
Trade talks between Canada and the US broke down Friday night, and as of Saturday morning, 50 per cent tariffs are in effect on roughly $27 billion CAD of Canadian goods. BC is more exposed than any other province in this round, and Canada's counter-tariffs arrive September 8, which will raise costs for businesses that import from the US.
Attached is an explainer from the BC Chamber of Commerce covering which sectors are affected, where the impacts concentrate in BC, and practical steps businesses can take. It was prepared earlier this month, before talks collapsed, so the tariffs it describes as coming are now in effect, and the sector picture it lays out is the one we're now living in.
Two things you can do today:
If your business is affected in either direction, losing US customers or facing higher costs on US inputs, raise your hand here.
It takes two minutes. The BC Chamber network is collecting real stories from affected businesses across the province to put in front of government as supports are shaped, and to bring willing businesses into roundtables as those come together.
And tell us directly. Email your local chamber. What our members report is what we carry forward, and the Salmon Arm Chamber is your closest point of contact through all of this.
The chamber network across BC is coordinating on this daily, including work on connecting BC businesses with new customers and suppliers in other provinces. More resources are coming this week, and we'll share them as they land.
We’ll Continue to Keep You Updated
Additional federal and provincial programs and resources are expected to be announced as governments continue to respond to changing Canada–U.S. trade conditions.
The Chamber will continue to monitor announcements and update this page as new information and business supports become available.
We also encourage our members to share the challenges they are experiencing. Understanding how tariffs and trade uncertainty are affecting businesses here in Salmon Arm helps us ensure that the concerns of our local business community are represented in our advocacy work.
Last updated: August 26 2026
Information on this page is provided as a general resource. Program availability, eligibility requirements and trade measures can change. Businesses should confirm current information directly with the appropriate government agency or professional advisor.
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