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Opinion: How Alberta’s small businesses can navigate U.S. tariffs
The recent one-month suspension of a 25-per-cent tariff by the United States on most Canadian imports has thrown many Alberta small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into a state of uncertainty. While the intent behind these tariffs seems to be to not only protect American jobs and industries by taxing goods consumed within the U.S., but also to motivate action on border issues such as illegal migration and the movement of the deadly drug fentanyl, the ripple effects are being felt keenly north of the border.
The recent one-month suspension of a 25-per-cent tariff by the United States on most Canadian imports has thrown many Alberta small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into a state of uncertainty. While the intent behind these tariffs seems to be to not only protect American jobs and industries by taxing goods consumed within the U.S., but also to motivate action on border issues such as illegal migration and the movement of the deadly drug fentanyl, the ripple effects are being felt keenly north of the border.
Turning Energy into Food
Canada’s small businesses have a big impact on our economy. As of 2021, there were 1.21 million employer businesses in the country. Of that number, nearly 98 per cent were small businesses. Over eight million Canadians, or roughly 68 per cent of the total private sector labour force, were employed by a small business.1 To top it off, they generated nearly 38 per cent of private sector GDP in 2019.
Canada’s small businesses have a big impact on our economy. As of 2021, there were 1.21 million employer businesses in the country. Of that number, nearly 98 per cent were small businesses. Over eight million Canadians, or roughly 68 per cent of the total private sector labour force, were employed by a small business.1 To top it off, they generated nearly 38 per cent of private sector GDP in 2019.
