What do American tariffs on imports from Canada mean? How are Canada, British Columbia, and Maple Ridge responding? What resources are available to businesses? What can residents and visitors do?
Working Together for Maple Ridge
The City of Maple Ridge, the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association, and the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce are working together to support the local business community through these challenging times.
Our teams are united behind the business community, and we encourage everyone to join us in supporting the Maple Ridge businesses - and the people behind them - that make Maple Ridge great.
Free Tariff and Business Support Webinar for Businesses
Surviving the Trade War: A Practical Guide to Tariffs and Business Supports
Wednesday, September 2 | 8:30–9:30 AM Pacific | Virtual
With tariffs, counter-tariffs, and trade policies continuing to evolve, businesses are facing increased uncertainty around costs, supply chains, pricing, sourcing, and market access.
This timely session, hosted by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and World Trade Centre Vancouver, will provide practical guidance from trade, customs, and business support experts on how companies can better understand and respond to the current environment.
Topics will include:
- Understanding the latest tariff and trade rules
- Key customs and compliance considerations
- Determining tariff exposure and understanding rules of origin
- Common customs mistakes and how to avoid them
- Government financing, funding, and business supports available to affected businesses
- Practical steps businesses can take to manage trade uncertainty
The webinar will be particularly relevant for importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, supply chain professionals, and business owners and executives.
Tariffs & Responses Overview
What are the details about the US tariffs and what is the Government of Canada's response?
A tariff is a tax or duty imposed by a government on an imported or exported good. When used appropriately, it can be both an important source of revenue for a government and a tool to protect domestic industries from foreign competitors. Tariffs increase the price of imported goods into a country, making them less competitive compared to alternatives.
Import tariffs on goods are paid by the importer of the product to their own government, not by the exporter of the goods.
- On February 1, 2025, the President of the United States signed an Executive Order declaring that all Canadian imports entering the United States will be subject to an additional 25% tariff, except for Canadian energy products (not including electricity), which will be subject to a 10% tariff. A fact sheet on the Order is available.
- The tariffs were set to come into effect on February 4, 2025, but on February 3, the President delayed the implementation of the tariffs until March 4, 2025, at 12:01 am EST. However, the President has reserved the right to immediately implement the tariffs at his discretion.
- Further details will be available when the Department of Homeland Security amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. (HTSUS). Businesses should monitor announcements related to the amendment of the HTSUS by U.S. Federal Register notice.
- On February 11, 2025, the President signed an Executive Order to restore or raise a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports to the United States from any jurisdiction, effective March 12, 2025. A fact sheet on the Order has been published.
- Non-Canadian goods imported into the United States from Canada should not be subject to the tariffs. Canadian travellers' effects are also not included in the new tariffs.
The Government of Canada has a comprehensive plan to respond to the U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian goods while supporting Canada's interests, industries, and workers. Canada is implementing countermeasures in a phased approach.
- Imposing tariffs on $30 billion in goods imported from the United States, effective when the U.S. tariffs are applied
- Announcing the intention to impose tariffs on an additional list of imported U.S. goods worth $125 billion
- Outlining programs to support Canadian businesses and workers directly impacted by the U.S. tariffs, including financing and advisory supports
- Establishing a remission process to consider requests for exceptional relief from Canada's response tariffs
UPDATE (March 4): Information about the Province's complete tariff response is available here.
The Government of British Columbia announced immediate countermeasures in response to the imposed U.S. tariffs, including:
- directing the BC Liquor Distribution Branch to immediately stop buying American liquor from "red states," and remove the top-selling "red-state" brands from provincially owned BC Liquor Stores
- directing the BC government and Crown corporations to buy Canadian goods and services first
- assessing private-sector projects worth $20 billion with the goal of getting them approved as quickly as possible, issuing their permits faster
- supporting and helping implement the actions being taken by the federal government
The City of Maple Ridge is taking proactive steps to respond to the United States’ tariffs on Canadian goods, including a Buy Local campaign and review of City procurement policies and practices.
Maple Ridge is working with key partners, including other municipalities, the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association (DMRBIA), to take a Team Canada approach, support local businesses and strengthen economic resilience.
Action Plan to Respond to Tariffs
City staff have preliminary analyzed potential trade tariff impacts and identified procurement and advocacy action plans in response to the proposed U.S. tariffs.
City Purchases
- Updating municipal procurement policies to prioritize Canadian-made goods and services within trade agreement guidelines
- Conducting a cross-departmental review to identify alternative sources for goods and services currently sourced from the U.S., with a focus on buying Canadian
- Examining vendor supply chains to mitigate hidden tariff costs
- Front-loading major purchases before tariffs take effect or delay expenditures where feasible
- Requiring bidders to disclose the origin of products and factor tariffs into bid evaluations
- Collaborating with Metro Vancouver to explore regional procurement strategies and potential policy amendments to reinforce local purchasing preferences
Advocacy and Business Support
- Working with the Ridge Meadow Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association to promote local businesses and encourage economic trade diversification
- Participating in regional initiatives with Metro Vancouver to align municipal strategies and responses to the U.S. tariffs
- Advocating with senior levels of government for policy flexibility that allows municipalities to prioritize Canadian-made products
- Providing education and business support to help local businesses navigate tariffs, supply chain strategies, and financial planning tools
- Strengthening Buy Local initiatives in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Business Improvement Association to drive consumer support for Maple Ridge businesses
- Hosting information sessions and roundtables to connect businesses with industry experts and policymakers
Local Business Resources
The following tools are available to assist businesses and residents in supporting the local economy:
- Searchable Business Map: Find local businesses with a Maple Ridge business licence
- Chamber of Commerce Directory: Explore local Chamber members
- Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association Member Directory: Discover businesses in the downtown core
- Other helpful resources for business:
Resources for Businesses & Workers
Businesses and workers can access a variety of programs and services to mitigate the impact of the U.S. tariffs
Business Resources & Statistics
Access business resources and statistics on companies in Canada's manufacturing sector from the Government of Canada
Canada Tariff Finder
The Canada Tariff Finder lets you quickly get tariff information for specific products and countries where Canada has a Free Trade Agreement. Enter your product, select the country you're exporting to or importing from, get immediate tariff information, and compare rates for multiple products or countries.
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
The Trade Commissioner Service helps Canadian businesses grow by connecting them with funding and support programs, international opportunities, and a network of trade commissioners in over 160 cities worldwide
CanExport SMEs
CanExport SMEs can provide eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) up to $50,000 to cover 50% of the costs of exporting products or services to countries where they have little or no sales. CanExport funding can help your company expand beyond Canada, unlocking global markets and opportunities to grow your business worldwide.
Export Development Canada (EDC)
Export Development Canada (EDC) helps Canadian companies of all sizes succeed in global markets with trade knowledge, financial solutions, insurance, equity, and connections
Free Trade Agreements & International Trade Services
Canada currently has 16 free trade agreements in place, covering 51 countries and more than 1.5 billion consumers, and the Government of Canada offers international trade and investment services to help businesses access global markets
New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA)
The New West Partnership Trade Agreement is a comprehensive accord between British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba that creates Canada's largest, barrier-free, interprovincial market through mutual recognition or reconciliation of rules affecting trade, investment, and labour mobility
Trade & Invest British Columbia
Trade & Invest British Columbia helps businesses find the resources, connections, and information to level-up and play at the global level. Offerings include the Export Navigator service, the Trade Accelerator Program, and links to many more provincial and federal supports.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) provides financing solutions and advice to small and medium-sized businesses in all industries and at every stage of growth. BDC has compiled a tariff resource page to support businesses in the face of trade uncertainty.
Canada Business Benefits Finder
The Canada Business Benefits Finder helps businesses and entrepreneurs find programs, services, and funding from all levels of government across Canada to help them grow
Canada Small Business Financing Program
The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders
CanExport SMEs
CanExport SMEs can provide eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) up to $50,000 to cover 50% of the costs of exporting products or services to countries where they have little or no sales. CanExport funding can help your company expand beyond Canada, unlocking global markets and opportunities to grow your business worldwide.
Export Development Canada (EDC)
Export Development Canada (EDC) helps Canadian companies of all sizes succeed in global markets with trade knowledge, financial solutions, insurance, equity and connections
Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is a dedicated lender for the agriculture and agri-food sectors and provides a range of financial products and services to support Canadian farmers and business related to farming
Funding opportunities | Government of British Columbia
The Government of British Columbia offers funding opportunities, including grants, bursaries, and loans for individuals, businesses local governments, and community groups
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) supports the growth and diversification of British Columbia's economy and advances the interests of the region in national economic policy, programs, and projects
Work-Sharing Program
The Government of Canada's Work-Sharing Program helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary decrease in the normal level of business activity, and the decrease is beyond the control of the employer.
The Work-Sharing Program provides income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporarily reduced work week while their employer recovers. All employees participating in the agreement must experience a minimum 10% reduction to their normal weekly earnings to comply with the terms of the agreement.
Business Finder | City of Maple Ridge
The Maple Ridge Business Finder is an interactive map of active business licences in Maple Ridge. Find local suppliers or buyers for your business's needs.
Canada Tariff Finder
The Canada Tariff Finder lets you quickly get tariff information for specific products and countries where Canada has a Free Trade Agreement. Enter your product, select the country you're exporting to or importing from, get immediate tariff information, and compare rates for multiple products or countries.
Directories of Canadian Companies
Find a Canadian supplier through the Government of Canada's directories of Canadian companies, where you can register as a Canadian supplier, find Canadian importers, and search for competitors
Dun & Bradstreet
Dun & Bradstreet produces a list of more than 100,000 manufacturing companies in Canada (NAICS codes 32 and 33), including financial statements, sales and marketing contacts, top competitors, and firmographic insights.
Consumers are looking for opportunities to support local businesses, and there are a variety of ways for companies to identify as Canadian, British Columbian, or local to Maple Ridge. However, there can be various laws, regulations, and rules that determine who and what can be identified with a label such as 'Made in Canada.'
Buy BC
Buy BC promotes a wide range of agriculture, food, and beverage products, and the program can offer cost-shared funding through the Buy BC Partnership Program to eligible applicants to support local marketing activities to increase consumer awareness of Buy BC products
Choose Maple Ridge: Support Local
Choose Maple Ridge, an initiative of the City of Maple Ridge, DMRBIA, and Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce, encourages all local businesses to register and help the community find out who is locally owned and which products are locally produced and/or contain locally grown ingredients
Directories of Canadian Companies
Find a Canadian supplier through the Government of Canada's directories of Canadian companies, where you can register as a Canadian supplier, find Canadian importers, and search for competitors
Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association (DMRBIA)
If you're in the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association (DMRBIA) catchment, make sure your member listing is up to date and take advantage of your member benefits, including "shop local" promotions, networking events, and member-to-member offers
Guide to 'Product of Canada" & "Made in Canada" Claims
Guide to "Product of Canada" and "Made in Canada" claims under the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, and the Textile Labelling Act from the Competition Bureau of Canada. Also available as a downloadable PDF
Made in CA
Made in CA, a grassroots initiative to compile a list of products and services made in Canada, where you can submit your business to the project and find other Canadian companies to do business with
Origin Claims on Food Labels
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has rules on origin claims on food labels, including country of origin, criteria for 'local,' commodity-specific information, and use of the National Flag of Canada and maple leaf symbols
Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce
Join the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce to amplify your company's voice, connect with other like-minded businesspeople, and get access to member events and services
Consumers are hungry to support local and Canadian businesses, but it's up to each company to make it as easy as possible for consumers to find them and spend their hard-earned dollars with them.
Advertise Locally
The Maple Ridge News, in print and on-line, reaches more than 30,000 households and businesses each week, plus extensive digital reach
Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association (DMRBIA) members can advertise special offers on the DMRBIA website. Offers are also published in the quarterly Downtown Coupon Book, available free-of-charge at select high-traffic locations in the city
Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce members have access to members-only promotional opportunities to reach other member businesses
The Ridge is a local on-line media non-profit covering Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, providing residents with hyper-local, quality, original reporting and journalism of their community
Ridge Meadows Coffee News is a "good news" publication distributed primarily in local restaurants and coffee shops, community gathering spots, and online
Canada Post | Snap Admail
Snap Admail is a fast and easy online tool from Canada Post to help small businesses create effective, integrated direct mail and digital campaigns on any budget
Directories of Canadian Companies
Find a Canadian supplier through the Government of Canada's directories of Canadian companies, where you can register as a Canadian supplier, find Canadian importers, and search for competitors
Facebook & Instagram
Make sure your business's Facebook and/or Instagram presence is claimed, up to date, and as customer friendly as possible
Google Business Profile
Create or claim your free Google Business Profile, keep it up to date, and turn people who find you on Google Search and Maps into new customers
Tripadvisor for Business
Claim your free business listing on Tripadvisor to ensure visitors and residents can find you as they plan their travel adventures. If you're an eligible tourism-related business, this is key to getting your free business listing on HelloBC.com, the provincial tourism website that helps visitors plan their dream B.C. holiday.
Whatever challenges you might be facing, it's important to know that you're not alone. Help is available.
Help Phone Lines
If you are in need of immediate help, call 9-1-1
Crisis Line
Call 9-8-8 or 1-800-784-2433 if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide
Mental Health Support Line
Call 310-6789 for emotional support, information, and resources specific to mental health
Opioid Treatment Access Line
Call 1-833-804-8111 for same-day opioid addiction support
KUU-US Crisis Response Service
Call 1-800-588-8717 for culturally-aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in British Columbia
211 British Columbia
Call 2-1-1, text 2-1-1, or visit BC.211.ca to talk with a Navigator who will connect you to helpful and vital resources in your community. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7
Online Resources
HelpStartsHere | Government of British Columbia
HelpStartsHere has over 2,600 service listings of publicy-funded or not-for-profit mental health and substance use supports, as well as easy-to-read articles and curated information about commonly searched topics
HealthLink BC
HealthLink BC provides reliable non-emergency health information and advice in British Columbia. Information and advice is available by telephone, website, a mobile app, and a collection of print resources
211 British Columbia
Visit BC.211.ca to talk with a Navigator who will connect you to helpful and vital resources in your community. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7
Employment Standards | Government of British Columbia
Provincially regulated workplaces and workers in BC are covered by British Columbia Employment Standards laws and regulations
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) works to improve the standard of living and quality of life for all Canadians by promoting a highy-skilled labour force, an efficient and inclusive labour market, and services to Canadian workers and businesses, including Employment Insurance, funding, training, and public pensions
Work-Sharing Program
The Government of Canada's Work-Sharing Program helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary decrease in the normal level of business activity, and the decrease is beyond the control of the employer
The Work-Sharing Program provides income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporarily reduced work week while their employer recovers. All employees participating in the agreement must experience a minimum 10% reduction to their normal weekly earnings to comply with the terms of the agreement
WorkBC Centre Maple Ridge
WorkBC Centre Maple Ridge works with employers to understand their business needs and help them find qualified candidates. Services are wide-ranging and include information and support to access funding, training grants, and wage subsidies
Resources for Residents & Visitors
Residents and visitors can support the local business community by making the choice to buy locally and keep their dollars recirculating in Maple Ridge.
Make Your Spending Matter: Choose to Buy Local
Business Finder | City of Maple Ridge
The Maple Ridge Business Finder is an interactive map of active business licences in Maple Ridge where you can find local companies to support
Buy BC
Buy BC promotes a wide range of agriculture, food, and beverage products that are grown, processed, and manufactured in British Columbia
Choose Maple Ridge: Support Local
Choose Maple Ridge: Support Local, an initiative of the City of Maple Ridge, DMRBIA, and Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce, encourages consumers to make the choice to buy local and keep their spending as close to home as possible, multiplying the impact of every dollar spent in our community
Directories of Canadian Companies
Find a Canadian producer or supplier through the Government of Canada's directories of Canadian companies
Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association (DMRBIA)
The Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association's Member Directory is a great way to find businesses of all kinds located in the heart of our community
Guide to 'Product of Canada" & "Made in Canada" Claims
Guide to "Product of Canada" and "Made in Canada" claims under the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, and the Textile Labelling Act from the Competition Bureau of Canada. Also available as a downloadable PDF. Be informed so you can make smart purchasing decisions.
Made in CA
Made in CA, a grassroots initiative highlighting products and services made in Canada, where you can submit a business, and find other Canadian companies to do business with
Origin Claims on Food Labels
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has rules on origin claims on food labels, including country of origin, criteria for 'local,' commodity-specific information, and use of the National Flag of Canada and maple leaf symbols, so you can make informed buying decisions
Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce
The Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce provides a Member Directory of their member businesses in Maple Ridge and beyond
Eat, Drink & Be Merry in Maple Ridge!
Maple Ridge is home to many incredible and unique culinary delights from farm-to-table eateries and craft breweries to ethnic restaurants and upscale riverfront dining. Explore what we have to offer and excite your taste buds!
Culinary Experiences in Maple Ridge
Find more local eateries through the member directories of the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association (DMRBIA) and the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce.
Be a Tourist in Your Own Town!
There's never been a better time to be a tourist in your own backyard! Lose yourself in nature, explore family-friendly activities, get into the great outdoors for an adventure, or take things indoors for something a bit cozier. In Maple Ridge, you're spoilt for choice with everything on offer.
Whether it's a daytrip, a weekend, or an extended staycation, Maple Ridge has something for just about everyone!
Welcome the World to Maple Ridge
As a key tourist destination, Maple Ridge welcomes people from across British Columbia, from around the world, and from all walks of life to our community. Despite the differences between the Canadian and American governments, tourism remains an important part of the local economy, and the United States is the single biggest source market for tourists to British Columbia and Canada.
American tourists might be nervous or unsure about visiting Canada right now, so the City of Maple Ridge encourages residents and businesses to continue welcoming our American neighbours to our community. Everyone is welcome to spend time enjoying our adventure and outdoor experiences, indulging in our food and beverage scene, taking in the visual and performing arts, finding unique souvenirs and treasures in our local shops, and experiencing our West Coast hospitality.
Have a concern? Report it.
Vandalism, verbal abuse, or other criminal acts against any visitors (American or otherwise) or their property are not tolerated. Residents and visitors are encouraged to report any concerns.