BCEDA Response

BCEDA’s Response to Tariffs: Supporting BC Communities and Businesses
The British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA) wants to update our members on our response to the recent tariff announcements by the U.S. President on February 1st and the subsequent retaliatory measures from the Government of Canada. The BC Government has also taken proactive steps to address some of these tariffs, and actions are underway to mitigate their impact.

BCEDA is deeply concerned about the effects these tariffs will have on communities across British Columbia. The strong economic ties between Canada and the United States have fostered prosperity for generations on both sides of the border. Economic developers play a critical role in supporting businesses, attracting investment, and creating opportunities, but these tariffs threaten to disrupt that work by discouraging new investments, restricting trade, and increasing uncertainty for businesses that depend on cross-border commerce.

Economic developers in BC represent the interests of businesses in their communities and work closely with partners such as Chambers of Commerce, Community Futures, Business Improvement Areas, and others. Many communities actively support companies looking to expand operations and serve the North American market. However, these tariffs risk creating barriers to investment, job creation, and long-term economic stability.

If implemented, the tariffs could significantly hinder growth in key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and forestry and well as other key economic sectors. Rising costs may push businesses to explore alternative markets or relocate production, making it essential for local economic developers to intensify investment attraction efforts, diversify economies, and expand Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) initiatives to help businesses navigate these uncertainties.

BCEDA’s Actions in Response
BCEDA is treating this challenge with the same urgency as other economic disruptions, such as natural disasters. We are taking the following steps to advocate for local and Indigenous communities:

Issued a Press Release Calling for a "Team BC" Approach
We urge all levels of government, industry, and economic development professionals to collaborate and ensure that BC businesses—particularly those reliant on exports—have the resources they need to remain competitive. Please find a copy of the press release here.
Engaging with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
We have contacted IEDC to encourage advocacy for policies that protect and strengthen our shared economic interests. This includes communicating economic developers' concerns to key U.S. federal departments, members of Congress, and the U.S. Senate.
Launching a "Trade" Resource Hub on Our Website
Like how we address economic impacts from wildfires and floods, we have created a "Trade" section on our website. This hub provides businesses with resources to help them explore new markets and stay informed on the latest tariffs-related developments.
Promoting Canadian-Made Products
We have launched a webpage featuring directories of Canadian-made products, helping businesses and consumers identify locally sourced alternatives. While these directories are not BCEDA-managed, they serve as a valuable resource for locals and other businesses seeking to support local and Canadian industries.

How Local Communities Can Take Action
BCEDA is committed to supporting all communities in BC during this time. We encourage local leaders and economic developers to take the following steps:

Stay Informed
Visit our Trade page regularly to access the latest resources and updates on business support programs.
Engage with Local Manufacturers and Exporters
Increase outreach efforts to understand how local businesses are being affected. If you need assistance developing intake forms for business engagement, let us know. Staying in close contact with SMEs will help identify potential risks of business closures and uncover solutions for accessing new markets. Most BC communities have manufacturers or exporters, and BCEDA can assist in identifying them through the ExecutivePulse program. Lists of businesses categorized under relevant NAICS codes can be provided upon request (please note we have limited staff resources at this time, so requests may take time to respond).
Communicate with BCEDA
If your community is experiencing challenges due to tariffs, we encourage you to reach out. Share your concerns, seek assistance, and exchange best practices with other communities facing similar impacts.

Together, we can work to minimize the disruptions caused by these tariffs and ensure that BC businesses remain competitive and resilient.

Dale Wheeldon
BCEDA President & CEO