David Wybou is Renfrew County's business development officer.
Industries and businesses in Renfrew County are doing their best to educate themselves and prepare for alternatives in light of pending U.S. tariffs, says one county official.
David Wybou is the business development officer for the county. His job is to work with, liaise, and understand the local business community to help find them resources, as well as to advise county council and the senior leadership team about local business needs.
U.S President Donald Trump’s steel and aluminum levies are set to take effect on March 12 and the president has now said he will go forward with a 25 per cent tariff on most imports from Canada next week.
Nobody wants to see the tariffs instituted, said Wybou, noting Canada has always had a good relationship with the U.S. However, county staff and politicians have been working on the issue since news of the possible tariffs first broke.
Wybou said the tariffs will have an effect that ranges across the spectrum.
Immediately, there mightn’t be a dramatic effect but as time progresses the impact will be felt more and more, generally causing costs to go up. Outputs could be reduced or stopped, which could lead to layoffs, he said.
Among the considerations for local businesses and industry is looking at diversifying supply chains and sourcing from either other companies locally, or countries other than the U.S.
Wybou says companies are also looking at creating more efficiencies, reducing costs and discussing the environment within their industry and with government.
He said Renfrew County is fortunate to have a very diversified economy but it is a very small economy overall, along with a small population of about 110,000.
Top businesses here include: forestry and value-added wood processing sectors, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, retail, and science and technology.
Wybou said the issue is one that is certainly top of mind and work will continue as time goes on.
The county has also responded with a new ‘Think Local’ campaign, which highlights ways for residents and businesses to support local and buy Canadian.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)