YORKTON – The local business community and city leadership are raising their voices on the implications of Trump's tariffs, emphasizing a renewed push for Canadian trade and local support.
Juanita Polegi, Executive Director of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce, expressed concerns regarding the broader economic impact of the tariffs on local, provincial and national levels.
"If prices increase it's just that much less to go around," said Polegi, in an interview with Â鶹ÊÓƵ.ca
However, Polegi pointed to a positive outcome: provinces are increasingly working to dismantle internal trade barriers.
"The Yorkton Chamber is a member of the Saskatchewan and Canadian chambers and we know that's something we've been advocating for for a long time—knock down those internal trade barriers," said Polegi.
"If the provinces are serious about this and we can get a little freer trade between the provinces that is likely to be a very good thing for our economy," added Polegi.
Mark Smith, owner-operator of K.W. Menswear, noted that while tariffs might indirectly effect local spending patterns, his business is relatively insulated.
"I guess in essence they will but in a small way. Maybe in the sense that people might not want to spend as much money in the long term," Smith said.
Smith explained that the store sources most of its products from Canada or Europe, with only one U.S. brand remaining in its inventory, which he plans to drop after the next delivery in June.
Mayor Aaron Kienle, who is also a local business owner, shared that he had proactively shifted to working exclusively with Canadian distributors.
"On the business side of things—for me personally—fortunately we made the shift... to deal with all Canadian distributors," said Kienle, adding that while it’s not always possible, he encourages others to follow suit where feasible.
The mayor highlighted city-wide concerns about tariffs driving up costs for materials needed in infrastructure projects, stressing the importance of monitoring the retaliatory measures closely.
"We're seeing tariffs put on materials—that will certainly affect the cost of doing facilities and capital projects," said Kienle.
Kienle also noted a cultural shift toward supporting Canadian goods, one he hopes will extend to shopping locally in Yorkton.
"I've heard it around town and I've heard it in my own household—there's been a real conscious shift to shop Canadian," said Kienle, adding, "as mayor I hope that is a trickle-down that involves shopping in Yorkton."
The mayor urged residents to prioritize supporting local businesses and Canadian-made products.
"You want to support the people that support you and so that's why I think it's important to take your first look at the support that you're giving your community, your province, Western Canada, and Canada as a whole," Kienle emphasized.
