It’s been a nail-biting couple of weeks for us Canadians. Talk of tariffs continues to fly around without any yet to be implemented.
U.S. President Donald Trump promised to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods being sold in the U.S. starting February 1 (this was later pushed to February 4). In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prepared 25 per cent retaliatory tariffs to be placed on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods flowing into Canada, starting February 4.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford backed the federal government, taking his own swing at the U.S. during a press conference on Monday. Ford swore to remove all U.S. alcohol products from LCBO shelves (worth approximately $1 billion a year in sales), ban all American companies from provincial work contracts, and rip up the province’s $100-million deal with Elon Musk’s internet company Starlink.
These ultimatums, however, have been put on hold. On Monday night, Trudeau announced that both countries would pause proposed tariffs for 30 days while they worked together. Ford followed suit, temporarily backing down on his threats, including the Starlink deal.
But the tariffs still loom large, and they could have a significant impact on cottagers’ finances. Here’s a list of relevant goods that could see price increases if tariffs go through.
Groceries
Loading up on groceries before heading to the cottage could look more expensive than usual. Canada plans to place tariffs on a wide range of food items, including meat, cooking oils, spices, flour, rice, tea, coffee, fruits, nuts, honey, vegetables, eggs, cheese, butter, margarine, and milk.
Alcohol
Despite Ford’s threats to remove U.S. alcohol from LCBOs, the Canadian government still plans to tariff U.S. alcohol products, including beer, wine, ciders, and spirits. Even non-alcoholic beers will feel the impact, which could make happy hour on the dock a little less happy.
Building supplies
Renovations at the cottage could see a price jump as Canada plans to place tariffs on various types of wood as well as their manufactured products, including particleboard, fibreboard, plywood, and wood pulp. Tools will also be hit, including handsaws, pliers, spanners, wrenches, hammers, and screwdrivers.
Clothing
The Canadian tariffs take aim at an assortment of U.S.-imported clothing, but most relevant to cottagers is swimwear. The tariffs also target footwear, including sandals, downhill ski boots, snowboard boots, cross-country ski boots, skates, and hiking boots.
Household appliances
Upgrading cottage appliances could become more costly. Refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dryers, microwaves, ovens, dishwashers, and outdoor devices, such as lawnmowers, snowblowers, and snow-ploughs all have planned tariffs.
Games
Perhaps the most devastating item included on the tariff list is playing cards. The increased cost could ratchet up the stakes on that late-night game of cottage Hearts.
The full list of proposed tariffed items can be found here.
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