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*Latest* Canada鈥揢.S. Tariffs Preliminary Assessment & Impact Survey

With the breakdown in Canada鈥揢.S. trade negotiations, U.S. tariffs and forthcoming Canadian tariff countermeasures may have implications for Ontario鈥檚 electrical contracting industry.

At this stage, the full impact remains uncertain. The final Canadian tariff schedule, Harmonized System (HS) classifications, country-of-origin rules, effective dates, exclusions and any remission process have not yet been confirmed.

To help members understand and prepare for potential impacts, 91制片厂 has developed a Preliminary Canada鈥揢.S. Tariff Impact Assessment for Ontario Electrical Contractors. The assessment outlines areas of potential exposure, considerations for contractors and immediate steps members can take to help manage risk while further details become available.

Read the听 Preliminary Canada鈥揢.S. Tariff Impact Assessment Here

We Need Your Input

At the same time, 91制片厂 is gathering project-level information from members to better understand where tariffs and related trade measures could create real impacts for electrical contractors.

We ask members to complete a short survey regarding potential impacts on material and equipment costs, procurement, project delivery and other areas of your business. This survey should take only two or three minutes.

Your responses will help 91制片厂 develop an evidence-based picture of the challenges facing contractors and provide more specific information to governments as we advocate for practical and targeted solutions.

91制片厂鈥檚 immediate priority is to help member contractors identify and manage genuine exposure while avoiding speculation or unnecessary disruption. We will also advocate for targeted relief where tariffs could impair the timely delivery of essential electrical infrastructure and where equivalent Canadian supply is not reasonably available.

As additional details become available, 91制片厂 will continue working with our industry partners, legal counsel and government-relations advisors to provide members with timely updates and guidance.

Please review the attached assessment and complete the survey to help ensure the electrical contracting industry鈥檚 concerns are supported by real project-level evidence.

Tariffs – Delayed, but still looming

As with the team here at the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Ontario (91制片厂), we expect you have been closely following the threatened imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods by the United States, and the inevitable retaliatory tariffs by Canada on American goods.

The reprieve on these farcical actions may only be short-term, and we expect this is causing concern, anxiety and uncertainty among our members, partners and the Ontario construction industry as a whole.

91制片厂 is closely monitoring this political battle. We are staying in touch with our industry partners and legal resources, and continually monitoring news feeds. In addition, we will be meeting with our affiliate partners, suppliers and other industry players to plan implementation of possible solutions, to advise our members, and determine appropriate actions and alliances.

We are making available a number of articles on the potential US-imposed tariffs and their impacts from industry experts. Please check the 91制片厂 website’s new “Tariff Tracker” section for updates as they become available.

91制片厂 will continue to closely monitor this situation, communicate key updates and relevant information with you as appropriate, and work towards solutions for the continued immediate and long-term health of our industry.

Statement by 91制片厂 Executive Director, : Empowering Our Members with Advocacy, Education and Expert Insights.

For almost 80 years, the Electrical Contractors鈥 Association of Ontario (91制片厂) has served and represented the interests of Ontario鈥檚 industry-leading, unionized electrical contractors. Over those many decades, 91制片厂 has stepped up during times of challenge to support our members in their unfailing delivery of safe, skilled electrical and communications construction and maintenance services to businesses across Ontario.

We are closely following the threat of tariffs on Canadian goods by the United States, and the inevitable Canadian response. We know that this latest challenge to Canada鈥檚 contracting industry is causing concern and uncertainty among 91制片厂鈥檚 550 members who employ over 17,000 skilled tradespeople across Ontario.

91制片厂 will continue to support our members鈥 success through this latest challenge with expert communication and education, and through advocacy with our government, labour and industry partners. We welcome our members and other interested parties to visit our website鈥檚 new 鈥楾ariff Tracker鈥 section at www.ecao.org to access articles and updates by industry experts on the potential US-imposed tariffs and their impacts.

Today and every day, 91制片厂 is committed to working to advance the interests of our members and support the success of Ontario鈥檚 growing and robust construction industry.

Graeme Aitken, Executive Director, 91制片厂

91制片厂’s Statement on Critical Infrastructure Exemption from Cost Increase

The Electrical Contractors鈥 Association of Ontario (91制片厂) serves and represents the interests of Ontario鈥檚 industry-leading, unionized electrical contractors. Over almost 80 years, we鈥檝e supported our members in their unfailing delivery of safe, skilled electrical and communications construction and maintenance services across Ontario.

As is the case across Canada and, indeed, across North America, critical infrastructure projects, both planned and underway, are essential to a growing and robust economic future for Ontario. Every day, 91制片厂鈥檚 550 members who employ over 17,000 tradespeople across the province safely and skillfully deliver the necessary electrical expertise to ensure the future of Ontario鈥檚 growing transportation, industry and energy infrastructure.

We continue to closely follow the evolving situation regarding tariffs imposed on materials originating in both Canada and the United States. These new and potential tariffs will have a significant impact on electrical contractors including rising material costs, supply chain disruptions, project delays and competitive challenges.

91制片厂 joins with the Canadian Electrical Contractors鈥 Association (CECA) in calling for the exemption of tariffs, reciprocal tariffs and any other form of price escalation on critical infrastructure projects here in Ontario and throughout North America.

In championing for Ontario鈥檚 skilled, committed and hard-working contractors large and small, 91制片厂 urges cooler heads to prevail. Let鈥檚 keep our electrical contractors on the job, and ensure a robust and bright future for our province.

CECA’s Statement on Critical Infrastructure Exemption from Cost Increase

via CECA

As the national voice for Canada鈥檚 electrical contracting industry, the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA) represents and champions the interests of more than 8,000 electrical contractors who directly employ 70,000 skilled people across Canada who, in turn, generate over $5 billion in revenues annually.

It is in this capacity, and at this time of new and threatened tariffs on materials originating in both Canada and the United States, that we strongly urge the exemption of tariffs, reciprocal tariffs and any other form of price escalation on critical infrastructure projects throughout North America.

These essential projects impacting industry, energy and transportation, including roads, bridges and railways, are critical to economic and social stability and development across Canada and the US. Putting projects such as these at risk due to unpredictable and potentially unmanageable materials costs will undoubtedly have devastating and long term impacts on the economic future of both nations.

CECA, in championing for Canada鈥檚 skilled, committed and hard-working contractors large and small, recommends that large infrastructure projects be exempt from tariffs and other cost escalations. Let鈥檚 keep people working on both sides of the border to deliver on critical infrastructure projects, and help ensure a robust and certain future for Canada and the United States.

Posthaste: Worried about Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’? Here’s how it might actually work in Canada’s favour?

听has said America is being 鈥渞ipped off by every country in the world, friend and foe鈥 and liberation day, as he calls it, is when he aims to set that right.

On April 2 the United States president plans to听听on all trading partners as retribution for existing duties and other barriers.

鈥淎pril 2 is liberation day for our country because we鈥檙e finally going to be taking in money,鈥 Trump said last week.

Canada and the world were shocked when Trump singled out his closest allies for tariffs in January. On April 2 the trade war is expected to widen, and that may actually help Canada, said Avery Shenfeld, chief economist of CIBC Capital Markets.

In this case, 鈥渕isery loves company,鈥 he said.听 鈥淏oth the impacts on our exports to the U.S., as well as our odds of negotiating these tariffs down to a manageable size, would be improved by having many other U.S. trading partners in the same boat.鈥

The damage to Canada鈥檚 share of the U.S. market will be reduced if imports from other countries are also facing tariffs, said the economist.

Canada will end up on a more level playing field, rather than the competitive disadvantage it faces if its products are penalized and those of other countries are not.

The benefit would be greater in sectors which are dominated by foreign suppliers such as fishing,听.

Premier Ford Removes Surcharge on Energy Exports

via Rubicon Strategy

Today, Premier Doug Ford听听that Ontario will suspend the 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the US, and will meet with United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on Thursday, March 13 to discuss a renewed USMCA trade deal. Premier Ford will be travelling to DC with federal Minister of Finance Dominic Leblanc, following discussions with Prime Minister-Designate Mark Carney and Canada鈥檚 Premiers.

Trump raises Canadian steel, aluminum tariffs to 50% in retaliation for Ontario energy duties

via CNBC

笔谤别蝉颈诲别苍迟听听said Tuesday he has ordered his administration to raise tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports by an additional 25%, bringing the total duties to 50%.

The new policy will go into effect Wednesday morning, Trump said in a听听that also repeated his calls for Canada to be absorbed into the U.S. as the 鈥淔ifty First State.鈥

Trump said he was imposing the latest tariffs in response to Ontario鈥檚 decision to听听on electricity exports to the U.S.

That move by听听was itself issued in retaliation for the sweeping 25% tariffs that Trump had placed on imports from Canada.

鈥淏ased on Ontario, Canada, placing a 25% Tariff on 鈥淓lectricity鈥 coming into the United States, I have instructed my Secretary of Commerce to add an ADDITIONAL 25% Tariff, to 50%, on all STEEL and ALUMINUM COMING INTO THE UNITED STATES FROM CANADA, ONE OF THE HIGHEST TARIFFING NATIONS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD,鈥 Trump wrote on听听on Tuesday morning.

Ontario slaps 25% levy on U.S.- bound electricity in latest trade war volley

via CBC

Ontario is imposing a 25 per cent surcharge on all U.S.-bound electricity听as part of its retaliatory measures against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods.

The new levy took effect Monday and will add about听$10 per megawatt-hour to the cost of power heading south, the province says.听It will generate an estimated $300,000 to $400,000 per day, money that will be used to support workers and businesses hit by U.S. tariffs.

“Believe me when I say I do not want to do this,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said at a news conference Monday.

Ontario slepping 25% surcharge on U.S.- bound electricity Monday, Ford says

via CBC

Ontario will charge 25 per cent more for electricity shipped to 1.5 million Americans starting Monday in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, Premier Doug Ford said Thursday.

The province provides electricity to Minnesota, New York and Michigan. Earlier this week, Ford warned the governors of those states about the coming changes.

“You touch the stove once, you get burned, you don’t touch that stove again,” Ford said. “We’re going to make sure that we follow through with what we said we were going to do.”

Ford said he felt bad about laying the surcharge.

“I feel terrible for the three governors, I have a phenomenal relationship (with them),” he said.

Trump pausing tariffs on some Canadian goods until April 2

via CBC

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he is again pausing his tariffs on some Canadian goods until April 2, offering the country at least a partial reprieve from a punishing 25 per cent levy.

Trump’s actions are a welcome听development, given just how damaging tariffs that big could be for the Canadian economy.

But the events of the last week show what Canada is in for over the next nearly four years: chaos, unpredictability and constantly moving goal posts from a White House that doesn’t play by normal trade rules.

Ontario cancels $100M Starlink deal, leaving northern communities in digital limbo

via CBC

Ontario’s decision to cancel its $100-million contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink as part of Premier Doug Ford’s response to new U.S. trade tariffs has left Indigenous communities in the north questioning the government’s commitment to broadband access.

Sol Mamakwa, the Ontario NDP MPP for Kiiwetinoong, says the cancellation raises serious concerns about digital infrastructure for remote communities struggling with reliable internet.

The contract, signed in 2024, was intended to provide Starlink satellite internet to 15,000 remote homes and businesses in Ontario. However, the Ford government scrapped it in retaliation to President Donald Trump’s trade measures against Canada.

Trump slaps Canadian energy exports with 10% tariffs, leaving oilpatch ‘deeply disappointed’

via CBC

United States听President Donald Trump followed through with his tariff threat against Canadian energy听on Tuesday, reigniting calls from the sector to听overhaul the country’s regulatory framework to help move new energy projects forward and reach other export markets.

Oil and gas exports from Canada are being hit with a 10 per cent tariff, while all other Canadian goods are levied at 25 per cent.

“This is something that we were hoping wouldn’t happen, that we could avoid,”听said Mike Holden, vice-president of policy and chief economist with the Business Council of Alberta (BCA).

How US Tariffs will likely affect Ontario industries like steel, trucking and auto

via CBC

As the U.S. imposes heavy tariffs on Canadian goods听鈥斕齛nd Ottawa retaliates听鈥斕齧any in Ontario industries like auto, steel and trucking say they’re in for a tough road ahead.

Just after midnight Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump followed through with long-threatened tariffs on most Canadian goods, as well as a 10 per cent tariff on all Canadian energy exports to the U.S.

Canada responded by slapping tariffs on an initial tranche of $30 billion worth of American goods, and promising to place tariffs on an additional $125 billion worth of goods in three weeks.

Ontario rips up Starlink deal, plans to tax electricity in response to Trump trade war

via CBC

Ontario will rip up its $100-million deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink internet听provider听and U.S. companies will be banned from procurement contracts as听part of the province’s response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods.

Premier Doug Ford announced the measures Tuesday, adding he’s warning lawmakers in听New York, Michigan and Minnesota听that if the trade war “persists” Ontario will put a 25 per cent surcharge on electricity flowing into the states听and potentially cut the flow off entirely.

Ontario supplies roughly 1.5 million customers in the border听states with electricity.

Trump tariffs, Canadian counter-tariffs now in effect as deadline passes

via CBC

With no indication that U.S. President Donald Trump has reversed course, blanket tariffs have been imposed on Canadian goods 鈥 as has a first wave of counter-tariffs on some U.S. imports.

Trump said Monday that his long-threatened trade war is going ahead with 25 per cent levies on most Canadian goods and that they would take effect as of midnight Tuesday 鈥 and there’s nothing Canada can do to stop it.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said later on Monday that a first tranche of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods would also be going into force at the same time.

“Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn, and should U.S. tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures,” Trudeau said in a statement late Monday.

US Tariffs Hit Canada, Mexico

via LinkedIn News

U.S. tariffs on Canada and Mexico have officially gone , with most imports from both countries now subject to 25% levies. The U.S. also its trade tariffs on Chinese goods to 20%. after President Trump announced that there was to negotiate the duties, which had been by a month. Canada announced , while China announced tariffs on U.S. farm goods, “marking a major escalation in a brewing trade war,” .

Statement by the Prime Minister on Unjustified U.S. Tariffs Against Canada

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on unjustified U.S. tariffs against Canada:

鈥淭oday, after a 30-day pause, the United States administration has decided to proceed with imposing 25听per听cent tariffs听on Canadian听exports and 10 per cent tariffs听on Canadian energy. Let me be unequivocally clear听鈥 there is no justification for these听actions.

鈥淲hile less than 1 per cent of the fentanyl intercepted at the U.S. border comes from Canada, we have worked relentlessly to address this scourge that affects Canadians and Americans alike. We听implemented a $1.3 billion border plan with new choppers, boots on the ground, more co-ordination, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. We appointed a Fentanyl Czar, listed transnational criminal cartels as terrorist organizations, launched the Joint Operational Intelligence Cell, and are establishing a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force on organized crime.听Because of this work 鈥 in partnership with the United States听鈥 fentanyl seizures from Canada have dropped 97 per cent between December 2024 and January 2025 to a near-zero low of 0.03 pounds seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

鈥淐anada will not let this unjustified decision go unanswered. Should American tariffs come into effect tonight, Canada will, effective听12:01听a.m.听EST tomorrow, respond with 25听per听cent tariffs against $155听billion of American goods 鈥 starting with tariffs on $30听billion worth of goods immediately, and tariffs on the remaining $125听billion on American products in 21 days鈥 time. Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn, and should U.S. tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures. While we urge the U.S. administration to reconsider their tariffs, Canada remains firm in standing up for our economy, our jobs, our workers, and for a fair deal.

鈥淏ecause of the tariffs imposed by the U.S., Americans will pay more for groceries, gas, and cars, and potentially lose thousands of jobs. Tariffs will disrupt an incredibly successful trading relationship. They will violate the very trade agreement that was negotiated by President Trump in his last term.鈥

Confused by Trump’s Many Tariff Threats? Here’s What’s Going On!
Key Dates to Watch: March 04, March 12 and an April Shower of Dvelopments

via CBC

Being confused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff plans isn’t a flaw 鈥 it’s proof you’re paying attention听in the funhouse maze of Trump听trade threats.

One minute, he’s听听massive tariffs on Canada and Mexico, then they’re听, then they’re听听March 4, then听, then they听听again,听but it turns out he’s听really talking about smaller听.

Now in the latest twist Thursday, the massive tariffs are听.

A reason it’s so confusing is Trump has made a multitude of tariff threats, like an endless geyser of economic menace.

He tends to slosh these threats together, conflating them when asked about one; then it’s left to his aides to clear听things up, which is what his White House did听听and his commerce secretary did听.

Everything You Want To Know About The Canada-U.S. Tariffs

via CBC

A trade war between Canada and the United States is a complicated issue that has consequences for an untold number of people on both sides of the border. Here are the answers to your most common questions, all in one place.

Key Insights from MNP’s Tariffs, Taxes, and More Trends in 2025 Webinar

via MNP

Canada鈥檚 political and economic landscapes are in the spotlight this year with a new Prime Minister, new rules of engagement with our U.S. trading partners, and many open questions about what to expect in the months ahead.

Our latest Business Owner Series Webinar explored some of the most critical questions facing businesses in 2025, including:

Previous budget measures:听How will the next government address proposed capital gains measures, carbon tax rebates, and changes to the SR&ED tax credit?

Political scan:听Who is likely to form the next government, what do voters care about, and what will their mandate be?

Tariffs and trade uncertainty:听How do tariffs work, what will their impact be on Canadian importers and exporters, and how can businesses offset the impacts of increased costs and lower demand?

Read more for a full summary of the conversation and to view the webinar in full.听

EFC Tariff Survey Confirms Significant Impact

via Electro-Federation Canada

In response to the proposed tariffs on Canadian goods, EFC conducted a survey to better understand and quantify the potential impact. The proposed tariffs have raised concerns across various industries, including Canada’s electrical and automation sector.
With 85 member organizations represented (approximately 33% of membership), the results revealed tariffs on Canadian goods would have a significant impact on costs, supply chains and overall business operations. 听65% of respondents anticipate that tariffs would have significant to very severe impacts to their businesses. Expected consequences to the tariffs include price increases and supplier and market re-alignment. When asked if members were supportive of retaliatory tariffs? The answer was 60% in favour of retaliation.

听触 to view the full survey results

Trump tariffs are coming. Where could Canadians could see layoffs first?

via Global News

U.S. tariffs on Canada and Mexico are coming next week, U.S. President Donald Trump has said 鈥 and the imminent threat is heightening fears about the futures of millions of jobs.

Economists are warning that the sweeping 25 per cent tariffs would be the 鈥溾 for Canada since the 1930s, with job losses expected across multiple sectors.

鈥淭here鈥檚 lots of sectors that have a lot of jobs tied both directly and indirectly to trade with the United States,鈥 Erik Johnson, economist at BMO Capital Markets told Global News

The tariffs are expected to take effect March 4, a date Trump has repeated several times in recent weeks.

Analysts and economists are worried that sustained tariffs could push Canada into a recession.

Trump says he’ll hit Canadian goods with 25% tariff next week after month-long pause

via CBC

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday he will go forward with a 25 per cent tariff on most imports from Canada next week, saying the country has ripped off the U.S. for too long and it’s time to put a stop to it.

Speaking to reporters at a White House news conference with the French president, Trump said work to implement those tariffs is “moving along very rapidly.”

“The tariffs are going forward on time, on schedule. This is an abuse that took place for many, many years. The tariffs will go forward, yes, and we’re going to make up a lot of territory,” Trump said.

Trump Tariffs: President Trump Proposes New Measures on Trading Partners to Address ‘Non-Reciprocal’ Trade

via Osler

On February 13, 2025, U.S. President Trump issued a 鈥溾 memorandum (the Reciprocal Trade Memo) signaling the United States鈥 intent to impose new tariffs and possibly other trade-restrictive measures on its trading partners, equivalent to tariffs or non-tariff barriers in those other jurisdictions. The objective of the U.S. policy is to counter what the United States considers 鈥渘on-reciprocal trading arrangements鈥 that are unfair to U.S. commercial interests. While the Reciprocal Trade Memo does not itself impose tariffs, it sets the stage for a 鈥溾 (the Reciprocal Trade Plan) for new tariffs or other measures against, potentially, every U.S. trading partner, including Canada.

This Update explains the Reciprocal Trade Memo, the practical challenges the Plan is likely to face, how Canada could be affected and the implications of the Reciprocal Trade Memo for the international trading system.

What 鈥榥on-reciprocal trade arrangements鈥 are targeted?

The Reciprocal Trade Memo takes an expansive view of 鈥渘on-reciprocal trade arrangements.鈥澨齌hey include

  • – tariffs on U.S. goods that are higher than those the U.S. imposes on similar goods
  • – internal taxes imposed by other countries, including value-added taxes
  • – non-tariff regulatory barriers, including sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical regulations
  • – government procurement measures
  • – inadequate intellectual property protections
  • – digital trade barriers
  • – exchange rate policies and practices
  • – wage suppression
  • – a catch-all for 鈥渁ny other practice鈥 that imposes what the United States considers an unfair limitation to market access or fair competition

Spike in Steel Prices Renews Interest in Escalator Clauses

via Ted Dreyer, Madorin, Synder LLP

The word on the street is that steel producers did not wait for Donald Trump to apply the steel tariffs to Canada before they increased the price of steel.听 Contractors and subcontractors are worried about committing to fixed prices without knowing where steel prices are headed.

Read More

Feb 14: Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Construction Chaos: Trying to Get a Grasp: Recording Now Available!

Please acess the recording here:听

With tariffs on Canadian goods at 25% and retaliatory measures still a potential threat, Ontario鈥檚 electrical contracting industry is bracing for impact. From skyrocketing material costs to supply chain nightmares, contractors must now navigate new financial and legal risks on every project.

Join us for an essential webinar on Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Construction Chaos: Trying to Get a Grasp by Dan Leduc, Partner, Soloway Wright LLP.

Date:听February 14th, 2025
Time:听10 am to 11 am EST

Recording Link:

In this session, we鈥檒l break down the real-world impact of tariffs on:
鉁 Construction pricing
鉁 Contract wording
鉁 Competitive pressures

You鈥檒l walk away with听practical strategies听迟辞:
Mitigate risk and revise contracts
Qualify bids and diversify supply chains
Manage pricing volatility and protect your bottom line

In this economy, dodging tariffs might just be the new value engineering!

Don鈥檛 miss this opportunity to stay ahead of cost escalations and avoid getting caught in the crossfire of global trade disputes.

What Trump’s Steel, Aluminum Tariff Threats Could Mean for Canada

Via Global News

U.S. 笔谤别蝉颈诲别苍迟听听announced Monday听听of 25 per cent on steel and aluminum against multiple countries, including Canada, in his latest salvo of trade threats against other nations.

It鈥檚 not the first time, however, Trump has imposed such tariffs against Canada 鈥 in 2018, he imposed 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminum. Those tariffs lasted for about a year.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has not commented yet on the proposed threat.

But as the tariffs come into effect, here鈥檚 what you should know about Canada鈥檚听听of both products with the U.S.

Trump Tariffs: Second Strike Hits Steel and Aluminum

Via Osler

On听听and听, U.S. President Trump issued two Executive Orders (EOs) reimposing tariffs on steel and aluminum products and some of their derivative products from Canada and other countries that were exempted from the 2018 steel and aluminum tariffs. The EOs will become effective on March 12, 2025, and will reapply a 25% tariff on Canadian steel and increase the aluminum tariff rate from 10% to 25%.

The reimposition of steel and aluminum tariffs result from the U.S. President鈥檚 authority under section 232 of the听Trade Expansion Act of 1962听(section 232). They are distinct from and in addition to the U.S.鈥櫶齛gainst all Canadian imports announced earlier this month, which are听 currently paused until March 5.

Trump steps up his 2018 tariffs on steel and aluminium, risking inflation on promise of more jobs

Via CTV News

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday removed the exceptions and exemptions from his 2018 tariffs on steel, meaning that all steel imports will be taxed at a minimum of 25%. Trump also hiked his 2018 aluminum tariffs to 25% from 10%.

鈥淲e were being pummeled by both friend and foe alike,鈥 Trump said as he signed two proclamations changing his orders during his first term that go into effect on March 4. 鈥淚t鈥檚 time for our great industries to come back to America.鈥

Feb 11: Webinar: Tariffs, taxes, and more trends in 2025

via MNP

Now that a U.S. trade review is underway and those vying for Canada鈥檚 top job have shared some of their intentions for the country, we have a clearer picture of what this all means for Canadian businesses.

Our next Business Owner Series webinar will cut through the uncertainty to review the impacts of U.S. tariffs and Canadian retaliatory tariffs and how affected businesses can make themselves resilient to trade pressures. We鈥檒l also have a Canadian political expert from Crestview Strategies on hand to review the country鈥檚 near- and long-term policy direction 鈥 and what that could mean for Canadian businesses.

Spaces are limited. Register now to secure your spot!

CECA’s Statement on Proposed US Tariffs

via Canadian Electrical Contractors Association

Now that a U.S. trade review is underway and those vying for Canada鈥檚 top job have shared some of their intentions for the country, we have a clearer picture of what this all means for Canadian businesses.

As the national voice for Canada鈥檚 electrical contracting industry, the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA) represents and champions the interests of more than 8,000 electrical contractors who directly employ 70,000 skilled people across Canada who, in turn, generate over $5 billion in revenues annually.

Today, our industry faces an unforeseen and unprecedented threat 鈥 that of tariffs on Canadian goods by our long-time trading partner and neighbour, the United States. Should it come to pass, such action, and the likely retaliatory response by Canada, would have immediate, direct and potentially devastating impacts on the Canadian electrical construction industry and on our country鈥檚 economy.

CECA understands that this potential action is causing uncertainty and apprehension among the country鈥檚 electrical contractors from coast to coast to coast. As the recognized national voice of the sector since 1955, we will maintain close communication with our Canadian and international partners, including the US National Electrical Contractors鈥 Association (NECA), and share updates and learnings relevant to the electrical contracting industry as we receive them.

We encourage electrical contractors across Canada to stay tuned into their provincial associations for news and updates related to potential tariff action, and attend any local information sessions. And as always, we urge the many skilled workers employed by Canada鈥檚 electrical contractors to keep their minds on task despite the distractions, and work safely every day.

About the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA)

Working directly with national and provincial associations to ensure a truly representative view, the CECA:

  • facilitates the sharing of best practices and products
  • advances the interests and image of electrical contractors by developing contractor capacity and competency
  • influences public policy affecting our industry
  • influences the creation of nationally consistent, safe and efficient electrical codes and standards

Tariffs: Same issues in a different guise

Via Electrical Business Magazine

鈥淗i, I鈥檓 Troy McClure! You may remember me from such articles as 鈥楥ovid-19 impacts: scary but true鈥 and 鈥楽upply chain meltdown鈥 and 鈥楬yperinflation: not your friend鈥.

We find ourselves back to the same issues, only dressed up in a different guise.

With Trump implementing a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods, and our government鈥檚 retaliatory steps, where does that leave Canada鈥檚 construction industry?

Material costs and supply chains

The construction sector relies heavily on commodities like steel, copper, aluminum, and lumber, all of which are vulnerable to tariffs. The tariff on goods entering the U.S. could make our products less competitive, and Canadian producers may pass these costs on to domestic buyers.

Despite tariff pause, uncertainty hangs over Canadian economy

Via Daily Commercial NewsUncertainty still hangs over the Canadian economy despite U.S. President Donald Trump announcing a 30-day pause in tariffs that were to take effect Tuesday.

The temporary reprieve halts 鈥 at least for now 鈥 a continental trade war that economists on both sides of the border warned would raise prices.

Trump鈥檚 decision meant Canada and the provinces also halted their moves to retaliate including with tariffs and bans on U.S. alcohol sales north of the border.

Trump on Saturday signed an order to impose 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, with a lower 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy.

On Monday, following two phone calls with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trump said the tariffs would be off the table for 30 days to see if the two countries could reach a 鈥渇inal economic deal.鈥

Well isn鈥檛 this nice? Understanding the impacts of tariffs on Ottawa鈥檚 construction industry

Via Dan Leduc, Partner, Soloway Wright LLP

Read Here

A Message from the CBTU Executive Director

via Canada’s Building Trades Unions

It’s been a turbulent week for Canadians.

While we have received a 30-day reprieve from the threats of U.S. tariffs on Canada, Canada’s Building Trades Unions are ready to fight for our members and skilled trades jobs.

Last week, I met with Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Labour Steven MacKinnon and Canadian labour leaders to discuss what the Canadian government should do to protect workers.

If tariffs become a reality, CBTU is calling for the government to implement the following actions immediately:

  • Institute immediate enhancements to Employment Insurance, re-introducing job sharing programs, and adjusting the thresholds for EI eligibility so more Canadians can access the program more quickly

The threat of onerous tariffs has given Canadians a window to look at our internal challenges and opportunities to become more economically and energy independent. We should:

  • Immediately begin planning for new trade infrastructure including pipelines, rail and sea transport, and other trade infrastructure investments to bring Canadian products and resources to new, more reliable markets
  • Remove intra-provincial trade and labour barriers

It’s crucial to get more shovels in the ground now for the new infrastructure required to ensure Canada鈥檚 economic future remains bright.

Canada’s Building Trades Unions is committed to protecting the interests of our members and Canadian workers, and I will share further updates as the situation develops.

Have a good weekend,

Sean

NECA Government Affairs and Labor Relations Joint Alert

Via NECA

Trump tariffs: the U.S. first strike and Canada鈥檚 retaliation

Via OslerOn February 1, 2025, U.S. President Trump issued an Executive Order imposing 25% tariffs on all 鈥減roducts of Canada鈥, excluding energy resources, which will face 10% tariffs instead. The tariffs were originally slated to come into force February 4, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time. In response to the tariffs, Canada released its own retaliatory tariff package, beginning with 25% surtaxes on select U.S. goods representing $30 billion in annual imports, originally also planned to be effective February 4, 2025. As of February 3, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET, the U.S. and Canada’s implementation of the proposed tariffs have been put on pause for 30 days.

Webinar: New US-Canada tariffs take effect February 4th

Via Norton Rose FulbrightJoin Norton Rose Fulbright for a webinar on the evolving tariff landscape and what businesses on both sides of the border need to know. Starting February 4th, the US will impose 25% tariffs on imports into the US of Canadian-origin products, except energy resources, which are subject to a 10% duty. In response, Canada will retaliate with tariffs on many US-origin imports. This shift in trade dynamics may impact supply chains, particularly in highly integrated sectors, as well as contracts, and business decisions. Our trade law experts will break down the key details of the Canadian and US tariffs and offer strategies for adapting.