Canadian mould manufacturers gathered to discuss potential business shifts to the U.S. following recent tariff increases on steel and aluminum imports. The U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, met with local officials in Windsor, Ontario, after the tariff hikes. Jonathon Azzopardi, president of Laval Tool & Mould Ltd. in Tecumseh, Ontario, addressed the House of Commons industry standing committee about the impact of the tariffs. Following this, Azzopardi and other local mould makers met with Hoekstra’s team upon invitation from local Conservative MPs.
During the meeting, Hoekstra encouraged the industry to speak out about their challenges and discussed the possibility of a trade deal. Azzopardi noted Hoekstra’s interest in addressing trade issues between the U.S. and Canada, particularly focusing on U.S. alcohol sales in Canada. The Ontario government has maintained a ban on U.S. alcohol imports as a response to the tariffs.
Azzopardi expressed concerns about the impact of the tariffs on his company and similar-sized businesses, stating that they may need to make tough decisions in the coming months. The Trump administration recently offered tariff relief to Canadian steel and aluminum companies relocating to the U.S., prompting Azzopardi to consider the option.
Windsor West MP Harb Gill criticized the tariff increases as unfair and urged the Liberal government to take immediate action to support affected businesses. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce also expressed worries about the mould making industry in southwestern Ontario, emphasizing the ripple effects the tariffs could have on the province’s economy.
As discussions continue on the economic implications of the tariffs, CBC News has sought comments from the federal government.