Annapolis County asking businesses how U.S. tariffs will impact them

The County of Annapolis wants to hear how local businesses will be impacted by the 25 per cent tariff the United States plans to implement next month.

U.S. President Donald Trump paused the tariffs on Feb. 3, hours before they were scheduled to begin. They are now slated to start March 4.

“It is unimageable to be in a situation that is causing such uncertainty around our economy, the welfare of our local businesses, and our once strong relationship with our neighbours to the south,” Annapolis County Warden Diane LeBlanc said in a news release.

“This is the time we must focus on supporting the markets here at home and strengthen collaboration within our province and country. We must do everything we can to protect the well-being of our citizens.”

Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc has said the federal government and provinces have an obligation to support workers and people “unjustly affected by this American decision.”

In response, LeBlanc noted the municipality is seeking input from Annapolis County businesses.

“We want to hear from our local businesses to learn how they may be impacted by these tariffs.”

The information will be shared with the federal and provincial governments, as they decide on funding programs to assist those who may be affected. Local business owners can send an email to tariff25@annapoliscounty.ca.