TORONTO – The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says it looks forward to working with the new Liberal government and opposition to help deal with the tariff battle with the United States and China.
CFIB president Dan Kelly says it was good to hear both Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre pledging to work together to address the threat of U.S. tariffs in a minority Parliament.
Kelly says small business confidence is near record lows and the CFIB is forecasting an extremely difficult second quarter for the Canadian economy.
The Liberals were leading or elected in 168 seats when the counting was paused early Tuesday morning, four short of a majority.
U.S. President Donald Trump loomed large over the campaign with his tariff threats and calls for Canada to become a U.S. state.
Carney is expected to meet with Trump soon with plans to begin talks on a new trade and security pact quickly.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 29, 2025.
