Cut Through the Noise, Look at the Policies

Canadians will be going to the polls earlier than expected as Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney triggered the vote that will be set for April 28th. While there have been more consequential elections in Canadian history, this one remains particularly important considering the issues both internally and externally. The obvious external factor that is turning the world on its head is the aggressive protectionist trade policies of the United States. President Trump’s desire to use tariffs as a negotiating tool is harming both countries economically and diplomatically.

Canada has a long history of friendship with our American neighbours to the south spanning over 200 years and over the course of that history, both countries have developed robust trade agreements that benefit both sides. President Trump’s tariffs are an economic relic from a long time ago that have long been dismissed by economists as being ineffective. Milton Friedman, one of the most influential economists of all time, consistently argued against tariffs and noted they end up hurting countries on both sides, and he is correct. Escalating a trade war does not benefit Canadians or Americans. Canada should not bow down to President Trump’s demands, but should find a way to cool the temperature and begin restoring decency and friendship in our diplomatic relations with the U.S. While fighting and taking a hard stand against the U.S can score points in the political arena in the climate of the day, it makes little sense in the economic or diplomatic arenas that are so critical to the health of both countries.

Domestic policy plays a critical role in addressing Canada’s affordability crisis, which should be a cornerstone of every political party’s platform. Housing sits at the heart of this storm, with skyrocketing costs far outpacing income growth, but rising food and transportation expenses, alongside increasing taxation, have compounded to intensify the squeeze. Together, these pressures—housing, essentials, and taxes—demand a comprehensive policy response to restore affordability for Canadians.
 
Elections bring a lot of noise, many promises, and can also inspire hope. As the campaign goes on and key platform priorities are unveiled, take the time to listen to each policy and see if it aligns with your vision for Canada and what the country should strive to achieve. I encourage you to stay engaged in the electoral process and cut through the noise of politics and get to the heart of policy. That is where the real decisions are made, where the future of our economy, our communities, and our values takes shape—beyond the slogans and into the substance that will define Canada for years to come.
 
 
Unapologetically Pro Business
Rhonda Tulk-Lane
CEO
Atlantic Canada of Commerce
 
Rhonda Tulk-Lane is the CEO of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, a nationally accredited organization representing more than 16,000 businesses in Atlantic Canada through its network 90 Chambers of Commerce and corporate partners.
 
 
 
Media Contact:


Patti Colson
Manager Communications & PR
Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
902-694-2210
patti@atlanticchamber.ca
www.atlanticchamber.ca