The latest trade developments between Canada and the U.S. have taken a temporary turn. After a conversation between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump, the proposed tariffs on Canadian goods have been paused for 30 days. While this gives businesses a brief reprieve, it doesn’t change the bigger picture—we must continue to invest in our own economy.

At the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce, our message remains clear: Now more than ever, we need to shop local, know our brands, and stand with our businesses

“This pause is a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t change our stance,” says Kristi Maier, CEO of the Ridge Meadows Chamber. “We cannot rely on shifting trade policies—we must invest in our own communities.”

Tariffs or no tariffs, the strength of our local economy depends on where we choose to spend our money. Supporting local businesses means creating jobs, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring economic resilience in uncertain times. Every purchase from a Canadian company helps keep our businesses strong and thriving.

What Can You Do?

Shop Local: Prioritize Canadian-made products and services.

Support Small Businesses: Every dollar spent locally stays in our community.

Stay Informed: Trade policies can shift, but our commitment to local businesses should remain constant.

The next 30 days are a chance for businesses and consumers to prepare for whatever comes next. Regardless of future trade negotiations, we encourage everyone to keep their spending local and their support strong.