TORONTO, ON — AUGUST 24, 2026
The following is a statement from Darrell Schuurman, CEO, Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce, regarding the latest U.S. tariffs on Canada:
With talks falling short of a trade resolution, Canadian businesses now face the outcome many had hoped to avoid: 50 per cent tariffs on $28 billion in Canadian exports. The impact, however, will not be felt equally.
For many queer-owned small and microbusinesses, higher input costs, disrupted supply chains, delayed purchasing decisions, or sudden changes in U.S. demand can have immediate consequences. Businesses that export physical goods, rely on U.S. inputs, or serve tariff-exposed supply chains may face the greatest near-term pressure. Others, including service-based businesses, may feel the impact indirectly through weaker client spending, market uncertainty, and tighter access to capital.
Canada’s queer-owned business community is a significant economic force. Canada is home to more than 120,000 2SLGBTQI+ owned businesses, contributing an estimated $86 billion to the Canadian economy. Recent research in April 2026 through the Rainbow Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (REKH) shows that many are small enterprises with limited capacity to absorb sudden cost increases or revenue shocks. The research also shows strong interest among 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs in reaching international customers and accessing corporate procurement opportunities, but they need greater supports and capital to grow.
That is why Canada’s response must go beyond protecting major industries. A tariff-response strategy that overlooks diverse SMEs will reinforce existing market concentration at exactly the moment Canada is trying to build a more resilient economy.
As our governments and corporations strengthen domestic supply chains and adopt “Buy Canadian” strategies, queer-owned and other diverse suppliers must have meaningful access to those opportunities. This means stronger inclusive procurement policies, simpler pathways for small businesses to compete, rapid-payment standards, working-capital support, and targeted export-diversification assistance.
CQCC will continue to help queer-owned businesses access new markets, build commercial relationships, and strengthen their competitiveness. This includes support through supplier inclusion, business development support, corporate connections, and international trade mission opportunities.
Upcoming international Trade Missions to London, Madrid, Mexico City, Amsterdam, and Tokyo are part of CQCC’s broader strategy to help entrepreneurs reach new buyers, explore new markets, and access commercial opportunities abroad. At the same time, CQCC is strengthening domestic market access through interprovincial trade missions that connect queer-owned businesses with corporate partners, procurement opportunities, local business networks, and new customers across Canada. Vancouver will be the next potential in this work, helping entrepreneurs build relationships, expand beyond their home markets, and participate more fully in Canada’s inclusive economy.
The path forward is clear: Canada must respond to this disruption by building a more inclusive, competitive, and resilient economy. Queer and diverse businesses must be part of that strategy from the beginning — not added as an afterthought.
— Darrell Schuurman, CEO, Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce
For affected members requiring assistance, please find additional resources here: https://queerchamber.ca/tariffs/
About Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce
The Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) is Canada’s national 2SLGBTQI+ chamber of commerce, dedicated to advancing economic opportunities for queer entrepreneurs, professionals, and businesses. Through advocacy, education, capacity building and connections in partnership with allies, CQCC helps create pathways for growth, innovation, and equitable participation in Canada’s business landscape. For more information, visit www.queerchamber.ca.
Media inquiries
Jeff Chan (he/him)
Director of Marketing & Communications
jeff.chan@queerchamber.ca
