In response to escalating trade tensions and the looming threat of tariffs, Brampton Regional Councillors Rowena Santos and Chris Leahy have initiated the ‘No Trade Wars’ campaign to advocate for the protection of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada. Recognizing that SMEs constitute 99.8% of Canadian businesses and are pivotal to the nation’s economic health, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of trade wars on local economies.
Councillor Santos emphasized the critical role of SMEs, noting that they account for 72.9% of the country’s exporters and contribute 40.8% to the total value of Canadian exports. She stated, “A trade war will hurt our entrepreneurs, SMEs, and local economies the most because small biz is big in Canada. Their success is vital to Canada’s prosperity.”
To galvanize community support, Councillors Santos and Leahy have distributed signs featuring the ‘We ❤️ 🇨🇦’ message, inspired by Premier Doug Ford’s recent display of national solidarity. These signs are intended for local representatives, residents, and small businesses to showcase their Team Canada spirit, especially in light of current trade uncertainties.
The ‘No Trade Wars’ campaign also includes a dedicated website, www.NoTradeWars.ca, serving as a platform for information dissemination and community engagement.
This initiative aligns with broader provincial efforts to address trade challenges. Premier Doug Ford has underscored the importance of a united front, stating, “You come in and attack Ontario … we’re going to use every tool in our toolbox to defend Ontarians and Canadians across the border.”
The ‘No Trade Wars’ campaign has garnered media attention, with CTV News covering the councillors’ outreach activities over the weekend.