Standing Up for Hamilton in Washington: A Recap of Our Trade Mission to D.C.

Last week, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, led by President & CEO Greg Dunnett, travelled to Washington, D.C., as part of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s mission to advocate for fair and stable trade policies. This mission came at a critical time, with Canada-U.S. trade relations facing increasing uncertainty due to shifting tariff policies and economic instability.

The mission included high-level meetings at the Canadian Embassy, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center, the Wilson Center, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Discussions ranged from North American manufacturing and supply chain security to broader economic and political implications of U.S. trade policy.

Throughout the trip, the delegation engaged with key decision-makers, including ambassadors, senators, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to reinforce the need for predictable and equitable trade policies. Our message was shared loud and clear -- the unpredictability of U.S. trade policy under the Trump administration remains a significant challenge for Hamilton businesses.

Key Takeaways from Washington:

✅ Trade Uncertainty Is the New Normal – The rapid shifts in tariff policies highlight the volatility of Canada-U.S. trade relations. During the mission, proposed tariffs were introduced, altered, and postponed, further underscoring the unpredictability.

✅ A Unified Canadian Response Is Critical – Canada must stand firm and present a united front against unjust tariffs. Strong leadership and advocacy at all levels of government are necessary to push back. Hamilton stood out as the only Canadian city with dual representation in Washington, as Mayor Andrea Horwath also attended.

✅ Strengthening Domestic Supply Chains Is Key – The U.S. is leveraging Canada’s reliance on its markets, emphasizing the need to bolster domestic production, reduce interprovincial trade barriers, and diversify export markets.

✅ Supporting Local Businesses Matters – With ongoing trade tensions, prioritizing Canadian-made products and services is more important than ever to protect jobs and economic stability.

As trade uncertainty continues, the Hamilton Chamber remains committed to standing up for local businesses, advocating for fair policies, and ensuring Hamilton’s economic interests are protected on the global stage.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this critical advocacy work.

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