08/28/2026
A LITTLE POLITICAL SATIRE—BUT A VERY SERIOUS BUSINESS CONCERN.
Following the breakdown of Canada–U.S. trade talks and President Trump’s 50% tariffs on $27.6 billion in Canadian goods, I wrote to Prime Minister Carney asking him not to include cooking appliances in Canada’s retaliatory tariffs.
The Prime Minister’s Office acknowledged my letter, assured me it had been “carefully read,” and referred it to the Minister of Finance.
The government’s decision? A 25% tariff on appliances beginning September 8.
So yes, my letter was carefully read. As for how it was carefully filed, I have allowed myself a little artistic licence. 😏
But the financial consequences are not funny.
The Canadian importer pays the tariff at the border—not the American government. For every $1 imposed as a tariff, that increase could be $2 to $3 at retail, depending on industry margins.
I understand why Canada must respond firmly. But retaliation should pressure the intended target without unnecessarily harming Canadian small businesses, dealers, builders and consumers—especially when no practical Canadian-made alternative exists.
A tariff may begin at the border—but it ends at the Canadian cash register.