Vallée-du-Haut-Saint-Laurent MP Claude DeBellefeuille took part in two monitoring committee meetings dedicated to the trade war with the United States on September 17 in the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges and the MRC de Beauharnois-Salaberry.
The meetings brought together representatives from Emploi-Québec, the SADC, the MRCs and other regional economic development stakeholders. Discussions focused on the tariffs imposed by the U.S., Canada’s retaliatory tariffs, and the difficulties some businesses have faced in renewing work permits for their employees.
According to DeBellefeuille, the full impact of the trade war is not yet clear. One or two companies have reportedly been directly affected by the counter-tariffs, particularly because they import products or materials from the United States. “The situation has not been extensively documented just yet. However, we all agreed that the picture may look very different in a month or two.”
Several businesses reportedly stockpiled supplies before certain measures took effect, which could delay the impact on their operations, she said, noting the committees plan to meet again in about a month to track developments.
Assistance programs
DeBellefeuille said it was important to ensure entrepreneurs and business owners were aware of the various financial assistance programs that have been made available. “It is our job to make them aware of these programs, especially those for small and medium-sized businesses. Large companies are more used to navigating these systems,” she explained.
The committee is aiming to identify businesses that have no choice but to source their supplies from the United States to document specific situations and where possible to request exemptions for certain products. “We will act as information relays to keep our businesses informed,” said DeBellefeuille, who notes she is concerned the retaliatory tariffs could affect businesses further down the supply chain that rely on imported products.
DeBellefeuille confirmed that she has not had any calls from businesses in the Haut-Saint-Laurent directly regarding the tariffs. She noted however, that agricultural businesses and those that use heavy machinery are facing increased pressure due to rising diesel costs.
The issue of work permits is also a concern for some businesses in the region, she concluded.