Prince Edward County is considering a new partnership with the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce in an effort to combat the effects of tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Duarte Da Silva, CEO of the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce gave a deputation to council members during Thursday’s Committee of the Whole meeting. His deputation focused on the dangers the tariffs present and efforts by the chamber to help mitigate the effects of the tariffs on vulnerable county businesses.
Some of the businesses Da Silva says are most at risk are farms, as the agriculture industry is tightly connected across the border. Small to medium businesses in the area are also in danger due to expected supply chain disruptions and rising costs.
Da Silva asked council for a $50,000 yearly contribution over three years, replacing the existing community builder agreement, to fund programs that support local business in an attempt to reduce the impact on the community.
Councillor Chris Braney put forward a motion directing municipal staff to prepare an official report to council about providing extra funding to the chamber, and prepare a draft agreement with the chamber.
“I don’t know if many of us around the table understand that other municipalities surrounding us do support and offer funding to the Chamber of Commerce. We do not,” said Councillor Braney. “I think we’ve all seen this around the table, the direction that the Chamber has taken, not only historically, but in this past year, and how vital and important it is to our community.”
Council voted to approve the new motion. Council will decide whether or not to provide additional funding after the report is put before council at a later meeting.