A look back at what grocery industry leaders have said about U.S.-Canada trade troubles
Per Bank, president and CEO, Loblaw Companies Ltd.
On rising food prices
February 2025
“The cost of living, including the price of food, has been challenging. A trade war would do nothing to make that reality any better on both sides of the border, especially for customers.” Read more
On Canada’s resilience
March 2025
“Canadians are highly resilient, and the country has a history of tackling big issues and opportunities. We know that will be the case with tariffs as well. And while there will undoubtedly be challenging times ahead while these trade measures are in place, we will do our part to be transparent about the impacts, fair in how they are applied, and work hard to mitigate the consequences.” Read more
On tariff pricing
March 2025
“We are pro-Canada and not anti-USA. We have many trusted U.S. vendors, but we will be responsive to our customers’ needs… Customers can be assured that when tariffs come off, any tariff pricing changes will be entirely removed.” Read more
Eric La Fleche, president and CEO, Metro Inc.
On the Canadian dollar
January 2025
“My biggest concern is the Canadian dollar… There's a consequence on our costs if the Canadian dollar weakens or is weaker.
“How do we prepare? We prepare by getting the best sources of supply that we can. We prepare by buying Canadian and local as much as we can.
“We'll let the government do their job and defend Canadian interests as best they can.” Read more
Darrell Jones, former president of Pattison Food Group
Currently managing director, McGregor Jones
On working together
February 2025
“Over 110 years in business, we have developed strong, longstanding partnerships with growers, producers and suppliers across Canada, and these relationships will play a critical role in overcoming the challenges facing our great country. We must work together to grow and prosper as individuals, companies, and as a country.” Read more
Gary Sands, senior vice-president, public policy & advocacy, Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG)
On Trump’s renewed tariff threats
July 2026
“This most recent threat by the United States underscores why Canada’s new Food Security Strategy is the kind of approach we need to be taking as a country. Indeed, the impact of American trade salvoes over the last 18 months, including this most recent volley, has played a significant role in reshaping how governments, the food industry and Canadians are approaching many issues… All of these changes perhaps would not have occurred without the external threats that have come our way from the United States. So, there are two sides to the coin when looking at how these tariffs will impact the industry.” Read more
Michael Graydon, CEO, Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP)
On opportunities for Canada’s manufacturing sector
January 2025
“There should be attention paid to seizing the opportunity to ensure that our manufacturing sector and our economy is much more resilient and self-efficient... We have, over time, allowed ourselves to become almost exclusively reliant on the United States for much. And it’s now starting to haunt us.” Read more
On the future of CUSMA
June 2026
“The President of the United States tells us he doesn’t need anything that we have. He needs our minerals, he needs our aluminum, he needs our fertilizer, he needs our oil, he needs our electricity, he needs our water… When you factor out oil, the trading environment is very much in favour of the United States versus Canada. Part of the issue we have with the President of the United States is just getting him to look at accurate information versus his opinions.” Read more
Diane Brisebois, former president and CEO of the Retail Council of Canada
Currently acting CEO, Ontario Real Estate Association
On the long-term outlook
February 2025
“While we understand that our federal government has to respond to protect this country, retaliatory tariffs are going to make it even more expensive for retailers to import goods from the United States. Coupled with a weak currency, the biggest challenge will be how can our retailers continue to remain competitive in this environment. I think this is going to be a challenge for as long as the current U.S. administration is in place. So, the next four years will be challenging for the industry because there’s so much uncertainty… It’s a bit like a dark cloud following us for the next four years.” Read more
Ashley Chapman, chief operating officer, Chapman’s Ice Cream
On cost increases
March 2025
“As Canada faces the greatest threat to our sovereignty since WWII, the effects of Donald Trump’s threats are already being felt by most Canadians... As a family we have decided to absorb all immediate increases in our costs due to the Trump-tariffs for the rest of the year to maintain our prices… We will continue to reinforce Canadian-first policies within our operations because together we are stronger. We will never be the 51st state!” Read more.
Michael Medline, former president and CEO of Empire Company Ltd.
Currently president and CEO, The Woodbridge Company Ltd.
On the Canadian economy
March 2025
“We'll be able to roll with the punches, and I think the industry will, to be honest with you. The bigger worry is if or when there's going to be more of an impact on the Canadian economy… But even in times where the wind’s in our sails—which it may not be, by the way—we can navigate… I believe that there are advantages to being a Canadian based retailer which keeps the money in our country, and that many Canadians will appreciate that.” Read more
On the “Buy Canadian” movement
June 2025
“It doesn't take a lot of people changing behavior to make a real difference in retail, especially the grocery business… There are people who have changed their behaviors that will not go back, and we're doing our utmost to make them very happy at our banners. So we think much of it will stick, but we shall see. I mean, we don't have a crystal ball. We don't know what's going to happen. I don't think that the mindset of Canadians is switching very quickly away from how they felt at the beginning of the year.” Read more
Lori Nikkel, CEO, Second Harvest
On impacts to funding
March 2025
"Some corporations were very close to signing major deals with us for a very significant amount of money but had to pull back due to the uncertainty surrounding the tariffs… They can’t fund us right now, and we can’t blame them because they’re looking to protect jobs. We don’t want their employees to have to use a food charity.” Read more
Ashley Kanary, director of global agri-food for Export Development Canada
On CUSMA and trade diversification
May 2026
“The U.S. is our number one trading partner. I don’t think that’s ever going to change… We still survive under the blanket that CUSMA provides—that hasn’t gone away. What’s changed now is the mindset with Canadian exporters to find out what else is out there in the world. It’s a big world of discovery.” Read more
Matt Poirier, vice-president of federal government relations, Retail Council of Canada
On Trump’s renewed tariff threats
July 2026
“These sweeping measures will inevitably heighten inflation and further squeeze consumers on both sides of the border at a time when household budgets are already stretched and families can least afford it. As this situation unfolds, Canada must respond cautiously and avoid introducing new retaliatory tariffs on goods coming into our country, as doing so would simply drive up prices at the register for everyday Canadians." Read more
Ron Lemaire, president, Canadian Produce Marketing Association
On CUSMA
July 2026
“Predictability is the biggest concern. The produce sector is already navigating rising input costs, supply chain pressures and changing consumer behaviour, making certainty around trade rules especially important.
“At the same time, consumer sentiment toward U.S. products has become an increasingly important factor. While Canada, the U.S. and Mexico operate within a highly integrated produce market, some Canadian shoppers are deliberately choosing to avoid U.S. products because of political tensions. That creates challenges for retailers trying to balance consumer preferences with affordability, particularly when U.S.-sourced produce may offer price advantages because of proximity and established supply chains.” Read more
Aaron Skelton, president and CEO, Canadian Health Food Association
On impacts to Canada’s natural, organic and wellness sector
February 2025
“It’s been reassuring to see the rallying cry for domestic businesses and products… But we must do better for Canadian-owned producers and distributors. Yes, some things are out of our control, and we need to accept that, but it doesn’t mean our house is in order. This is a good time for reflection, ensuring we're fully leveraging the many advantages the country has to offer. We may be smaller than our southern friends, but we are still significant on the global stage—Canada was the world’s ninth-largest economy in 2024. It’s time to lean into our talent, the land and resources, as well as interprovincial trade, finding ways to support each other from retailer to manufacturer.” Read more
