Louis Lafleur, the president of Les Boisés Lafleur in Victoriaville, Quebec, swiftly expresses his thoughts on American tariffs when asked, emphasizing the impact of Canadian tariffs on his business instead. Les Boisés Lafleur specializes in manufacturing wood veneers from various species like maple, ash, and eucalyptus for use in countertops and furniture, with a significant portion of their products exported to the U.S.
Although Lafleur initially worried about potential U.S. tariffs following the presidential inauguration in January, they have not materialized. However, in February, before leaving office, Justin Trudeau announced counter-tariffs on $30 billion worth of American goods entering Canada, including the category of wood used by Lafleur, leading to a 25% duty on his wood imports from the U.S.
Lafleur faces challenges navigating the lack of clear information on duty drawbacks to offset the expenses incurred due to the counter-tariffs. This uncertainty has forced him to reduce wood imports drastically to mitigate potential financial losses, impacting production and resulting in a gradual reduction of the workforce. Despite applying for federal assistance to maintain staff through work-sharing programs, Lafleur views it as a temporary solution to a more substantial issue.
The economic repercussions of the tariff war extend beyond individual businesses like Les Boisés Lafleur, affecting the local economy in Victoriaville. The ongoing trade tensions have led to a slowdown in local projects as funding agencies adopt a cautious approach due to the prevailing uncertainty. The impact of tariffs has emerged as a prominent issue in the current federal election campaign, with political leaders advocating for counter-tariffs as a response to U.S. trade policies.
While the political stance on tariffs remains consistent among major parties, concerns persist among business owners like Lafleur and voters in the Richmond—Arthabaska riding. Economic worries dominate conversations, with voters expressing apprehensions about taxes, living costs, and poverty alleviation measures. The evolving political landscape and responses to economic challenges will likely influence voter decisions in the upcoming election, with Lafleur holding the government accountable for addressing the tariff-related struggles faced by businesses like his own.
