U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports present a “significant challenge to free trade and shared economic growth,” the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) said in a media release earlier this week.

These measures will have far-reaching economic consequences for both countries, underscoring the need for a resilient and forward-thinking approach to trade,” the Mar. 5 release said.

“While we remain hopeful that Canada-U.S. trade relations will stabilize at one point, today reinforces the importance of diversifying our markets and expanding global partnerships.”

Among the initiatives the GNCC said they support to protect Canada are strengthening interprovincial trade, expanding the country’s leadership on the world stage, and a support package for businesses impacted by tariffs.

The GNCC has also convened a cross-border coalition of chambers of commerce including the Hamilton Chamber, the Windsor-Essex Chamber, the Chatham-Kent Chamber, and the Buffalo-Niagara Partnership.

This group represents 5,065 organizations on both sides of the border employing 430,000 people, according to the GNCC.

“We are committed to a unified approach not only with our Canadian peers, but with our American friends in business,” the GNCC said.

“As it always, the GNCC is here to support Niagara’s businesses and will do everything it can to ensure their success.”