Opportunity to hear business leaders discuss tariff issues
The Kelowna Chamber is bringing together industry leaders to discuss tariff issues on Wednesday March 5 from 2pm to 3:30pm at UBCO. Daily announcements from the U.S. are creating significant uncertainty for Okanagan and Canadian businesses.
Even with a 30-day pause, President Trump’s executive order to impose tariffs on Canadian exports to the United States marks a major protectionist shift in U.S. trade policy. A 25% tariff on all Canadian non-energy exports and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy exports to the U.S. (alongside tariffs on Mexico and China) will cause substantial economic disruptions for the global economy.
Newly announced 25% tariffs on aluminum and steel compound the business problems. Our panelists will discuss the impact, industry by industry, and take questions from the audience.
Interestingly for B.C., the 30-day pause expires on B.C. Budget 2025 Day, March 4.
All Panelists have now been confirmed. They include:
Moderator
Chris Walker
Host, CBC Daybreak
Nick Arkle, CEO, Gorman Group
Lumber/Wood Products
Chief Forester since 1991
Chief Corporate Services Officer
KF Aero
Heather Weber, CPA, CGA, MNP
Leader Indirect Tax Group
Specialist in Cross-Border Transactions
Ross Hickey, Ph.D.
Researcher & Educator
UBC Okanagan Economics
Barry Penner, KC
Chair, Energy Futures Institute
Former Minister of Environment, Government of B.C.
John Lambiris
VP, Sales & Procurement
The Star Group - Agriculture
The audience will be able to ask questions of all panelists after a brief presentation from each.
Paid public parking is available immediately adjacent to the UNC (University Centre Building, Room 201/Ballroom) on the lower campus. Light refreshments will be available. Attendee cost: $15. Register at www.kelownachamber.org/events.
Event is sponsored in part by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Calgary, and is held in collaboration with UBC Okanagan University Relations.
To see where Kelowna stands among 41 of Canada’s largest cities – or to look at any of the other 41 – go to the Canadian Chamber, Business Data Lab