KENORA — For the Kenora District Chamber of Commerce, a win for the Conservative government means continuing a relationship that has been well established over the past two Ontario political terms.
Andy Scribilo, President of the Chamber, said because he is well acquainted with the government and local Member of Provincial Parliament Greg Rickford, it takes out some of the guess work for the chamber and the businesses it represents. As for funding or applying for it, he said moving into this next term should be smooth.
“He knows Kenora and what the issues are,” said Scribilo of Rickford. “The businesses just carry on where they’re going.”
One thing that is a very hot topic is American tariffs and the roller coaster of emotions that come with the possibility.
“It’s not even making a dive into something, it’s the uncertainty. We just don’t know,” said Scribilo.
Big players like Weyerhaeuser,, mining, start-ups and manufacturers like Riverview Industries are worried. Small businesses that rely on products coming from the USA or being shipped across the border are worried.
“The people in the business are expecting for them (Conservatives) to fight for us; fight fire with fire.”
Not knowing what to expect or when, is just not what business owners need right now, said Scribilo.
“It just makes it more difficult. People don’t need that today.”
He said one way the Chamber has been working on to strategize is to encourage looking inward to local resources and Canadian Products to balance out the uncertainty.
“It brings people to the realization that you have to start supporting your own local venders,” he said.
After his election win Thursday Greg Rickford said almost everyone had tariffs on their mind and he intends to remain friendly with American partners but also encourage a solidified Ontarian approach.
“The very real threat of tariffs would affect Ontario disproportionately to other provinces,” said Rickford. “In the greater picture of things, it’s on baby! We’re ready and we’re up for it.”
Scribilo noted that the Conservatives should take advantage of promoting tourism as with a weaker dollar, it does encourage visitors to come here and directly impact business in the region. Bookings are up from what he hears, and he notes that is some good news that needs to continue momentum moving forward.
