ADVOCACY | Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce

ADVOCACY UPDATE TO MEMBERSHIP
April 23, 2025

The Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce has proactively championed local business interests on multiple fronts. Over the past quarter, the Chamber’s leadership and advocacy have led to tangible results through close engagement with municipal and territorial governments. From enhancing community safety and shaping procurement policies to addressing labour shortages and navigating international trade challenges, the Chamber has secured key wins and recognition for the benefit of our members. This update highlights the advocacy initiatives and the positive outcomes in safety, procurement, immigration, economic development, trade, and buy-local efforts.

COMMUNITY SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION

The Chamber continues to prioritize safety and crime prevention. We have been invited as a key stakeholder in the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, a joint initiative with the City of Whitehorse and the Government of Yukon, scheduled for completion in summer 2026.
Through the SafeBiz: Whitehorse Community Safety Pilot Program, launched in January 2025 with $100,000 in Yukon Government funding:

17 local businesses received in-person security assessments
86 individuals from 56 organizations completed de-escalation training
A digital and soon-to-be-printed version of the Who’s Minding Your Business checklist was distributed
Training was rated 100% relevant and practical by participants

Furthermore, the Yukon Government has committed funding for this initiative for three years (2024–25 through 2026–27), ensuring continued resources to help Whitehorse businesses operate securely. The Chamber will build on this momentum by coordinating ongoing safety improvements and advocating for any additional measures needed to protect our members and the broader business community.

PROCUREMENT AND LOCAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

The Chamber has taken a leadership role in advocating for fair, transparent procurement practices that prioritize Yukon businesses. Together with the Yukon Chamber of Commerce, we struck a Joint Procurement Committee to serve as a unified voice on procurement policy. Within the Joint Procurement Committee, the committee has identified three priority goals for 2025 to ensure procurement processes truly support local businesses:

GOAL 1: Strengthen Market Research & Local Business Integration - Increase the participation of Yukon businesses in government procurement.
GOAL 2: Prioritize and strengthen support for Yukon local businesses by advocating for changes to direct award thresholds and procurement policies - Ensure that local businesses benefit fairly from procurement opportunities.
GOAL 3: Evaluate and strengthen the effectiveness of procurement policies to support Yukon First Nations and local businesses - Ensure procurement policies remain effective, inclusive, and responsive to business needs, particularly Yukon First Nations and locally owned businesses.

To advance these goals, the committee meets regularly with the Department of Highways and Public Works (HPW) to provide input on upcoming policy changes. The Chamber already had productive discussions with HPW regarding Yukon’s response to the U.S. tariffs – specifically advocating that any procurement-related countermeasures or clauses be designed in consultation with Yukon businesses’ needs. The Chamber’s close engagement on procurement is yielding results: our feedback is being considered in real time as the government refines contracting policies.

In February, we submitted a letter to Premier Ranj Pillai calling for strengthened oversight and local preference in the wake of the Eagle Gold Mine closure’s economic impacts. In response to our advocacy, the Premier provided a formal written update addressing our concerns. The Premier’s response confirmed:

Over 50% of initial remediation contracts went to Yukon companies
Key tools like Community Development Agreements and Vendor Performance Reviews are in place
More than 140 Yukon and Indigenous businesses are registered under the Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy
An independent review of the Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy is scheduled for 2026. The review will take a broad, holistic assessment of the overall effectiveness of the policy, its implementation and overarching outcomes.

Moving forward, the Chamber will continue to monitor procurement projects, such as those tied to major mine remediation and infrastructure works, and will hold the government accountable to its promises of transparency and local inclusion. Every member contract won, or local job retained through better procurement policy, is a win for our business community.

BUY LOCAL INITIATIVES

Amid global uncertainties, bolstering the local economy from within is more important than ever. The Chamber is proud to lead and support a variety of Buy Local initiatives aimed at keeping dollars in our community and celebrating the strength of Yukon businesses. We amplified events and campaigns like Yukoner Appreciation Week and You Can in the Yukon, which encourage residents to shop and dine locally with special promotions and events. The Chamber also coordinated Small Business Week activities last fall and is already planning for the 2025 edition, which will feature workshops and marketing to spotlight our small businesses. Additionally, we hosted the annual Business Excellence Awards, honouring local entrepreneurs and organizations for their achievements. These events and programs not only drive immediate sales for participants but also build long-term loyalty by showcasing the unique products and services our members offer.

The Chamber is exploring new ways to boost our buy-local efforts, including innovative initiatives like collaborative marketing campaigns and improved online directories for Yukon products and services. We are also working with Yukon Government departments to align their initiatives with ours, ensuring public-led buy-local campaigns complement the Chamber’s programs. Supporting local businesses benefits the community by sustaining employment, circulating money in the territory, and maintaining the character of our economy. These conversations with policymakers have been productive, and we expect new collaborations soon.

For our members, we will continue to provide opportunities to get involved: whether it’s signing up to participate in Yukoner Appreciation events, getting featured in our Yukon Can in the Yukon campaign on social media, or benefiting from Chamber-run shop-local advertising, we encourage you to take advantage. Our Chamber is committed to fostering a thriving local market where our businesses are the first choice for consumers and government buyers alike.

IMMIGRATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Addressing labour shortages has been another focus of our advocacy. Our advocacy helped shape the relaunch of the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) for 2025. We’re also promoting alternative pathways such as the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot. A joint Whitehorse Chamber and TIA info session on April 28th to help members explore refugee hiring streams. We have also partnered with Association franco-yukonnaise to deliver Recruitment support to our members and we will continue to do this whenever possible. The Chamber is in discussion with the Yukon Government to reinvigorate the Yukon Partnership Immigration Committee (YPIC), a committee within the Yukon Government that advises on immigration policy and programs. It was established in 2018 and involves community stakeholders to provide input on immigration matters and help shape long-term immigration planning.

ECONOMIC RESILIENCE AND DEVELOPMENT

To strengthen our territory’s economic foundation amid rapid changes, the Chamber – alongside partners and stakeholders – established the Economic Resilience and Development Committee (ERDC). This committee brings together Chamber members, industry experts, and government liaisons to develop forward-looking strategies for economic stability and growth. By gathering real-time feedback from businesses across sectors, the ERDC allows the Chamber to advocate for policies that are responsive to on-the-ground challenges. We meet monthly with the YG Department of Economic Development to relay members’ concerns (for example, the impacts of tariffs or supply chain disruptions) and to collaboratively identify solutions. This direct line of communication ensures that government decision-makers hear the business perspective early and often when economic issues arise.

The Chamber has outlined several initiatives to build a more resilient local economy in both the short and long term. Key areas of focus include:

Bolstering Buy Local Programs: Continuing to invest in and expand initiatives that encourage Yukoners to support local businesses. This includes enhancing annual events like Small Business Week, Yukoner Appreciation Week, and the Business Excellence Awards, as well as developing new campaigns that drive local spending and loyalty. A strong buy-local culture helps keep our economy thriving even when external conditions are tough.
Strategic Communications and Research: Working on a comprehensive communications strategy to promote Whitehorse and Yukon as prime places to do business. This involves conducting surveys to gather insights from local businesses and the public, and engaging policy analysts and economists to provide expert analysis. The data and recommendations will inform policy decisions and ensure our messaging to investors and stakeholders is clear: Yukon is open for business and resilient in the face of change.
Interprovincial and Arctic Partnerships: Breaking down barriers to interprovincial trade and fostering new partnerships across the North. The Chamber is exploring reciprocal trade missions and collaborations with other territories/provinces, as well as opportunities to connect across the Arctic from west to east. By teaming up with northern regions on shared economic interests, we can expand markets, improve supply chain reliability, and attract investment. This also ties into broader goals of enhancing northern security and infrastructure through business-led cooperation.
Continuous Multi-Level Engagement: The Chamber will continue to engage at all levels – municipal, First Nations, territorial, and federal – sharing critical information and advocating for Yukon’s interests. Whether it’s navigating geopolitical developments or responding to national policy shifts, we are ensuring Yukon’s voice is heard. Our collaborative approach with partners (coast-to-coast-to-coast) positions our business community to adapt quickly and seize opportunities amid uncertainty.

By pushing for these initiatives, we aim to build an economy that can withstand disruptions and emerge stronger. The Chamber’s leadership through the ERDC ensures that we are not only reacting to challenges like inflation, tariffs, or market swings, but also proactively preparing for the future. We will keep members updated on ERDC’s projects – and will be reaching out for your input on upcoming surveys and roundtables. Your participation is vital in shaping strategies that truly reflect our business community’s needs.

U.S. TARIFFS AND TRADE ADVOCACY

Recent international trade disputes have created ripples that reach us here in the Yukon. The Chamber has been actively monitoring developments and advocating for mitigation measures to protect Yukon businesses from the impacts of tariffs.

The ongoing tariff situation is rapidly changing and deeply impacting businesses across size and sector. We have compiled a list of the latest developments, what we are advocating for at all levels of government and the supports that are available to you.

Our advocacy relies on input from our members. We are always eager to hear from you – whether to share your experience, provide input on our recommendations to government, or to let us know how we can serve you during this time of uncertainty and rising costs.

LATEST ON TARIFFS:

On April 15, Canada announced a remissions framework for automakers, allowing automakers to import a certain number of U.S. manufactured vehicles tariff free so long as they continue to produce vehicles in Canada and complete planned investments in Canada.
On April 15, Canada announced temporary relief from retaliatory tariffs (for a 6-month period) for goods imported from the U.S. that are used in Canadian manufacturing, processing and food and beverage packaging, and for those used to support public health, health-care, public safety, and national security objectives.
On April 9, the United States paused their near global reciprocal tariffs meant to address tariffs, taxes and non-tariff international trade barriers.
On April 9, Canada imposed a 25% tariff on U.S. made vehicle imports. Canada will also direct the income from these tariffs to affected workers and businesses.
On April 5, the United States imposed tariffs ranging from 10-50% on nearly all trade - meant to address tariffs, taxes and non-tariff international trade barriers. Canada was exempt from these tariffs under CUSMA.
On March 26, the United States announced a 25% tariff on all automobile imports to the U.S., effective April 2.
On March 20, China imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian seafood and pork and a 100% tariff on canola oil, canola meal and pea products.
On March 12, Canadian imposed a 25% tariff on $29.7 billion of U.S. imports.
On March 12, the United States imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum products from Canada.
On March 10, Canada imposed a surtax on electricity exported from Ontario to U.S. states. This tax was suspended following a meeting between Premier Doug Ford and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
On March 6, the United States imposed a 10% tariff on potash and energy products from Canada that are not covered by CUSMA and a 25% tariff on non-CUSMA goods.
On March 5, the United States exempts automobiles and parts imported from Canada and Mexico covered under CUSMA for one month.
On March 4, Canada imposed a 25% tariff on $30-billion worth of U.S. imports
On March 4, the United States imposed a 10% tariff on Canadian energy products and a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports. These tariffs were paused.

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COLLABORATION WITH THE CITY OF WHITEHORSE

The Chamber continues to maintain a strong and collaborative relationship with the City of Whitehorse. On March 26, 2025, the Chamber Executive Committee met with the Mayor, Council, and City senior management to provide an opportunity to discuss strategic priorities and ways to collaborate. The discussion resulted in clear action items, stronger alignment on policy direction, and new opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Key Outcomes of the March 26 Meeting:

Stakeholder Role in Community Safety Planning: The Chamber was invited as one of the key stakeholders on the advisory committee for the City and YG's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. This 18-month initiative, facilitated by the Canadian Centre for Safe Communities, aims to develop a long-term strategy for preventing crime and improving public well-being. The Chamber’s involvement ensures the business perspective is fully integrated into community-wide safety solutions.
Strategic Plan Alignment: The City’s Strategic Plan (in development) was discussed. The Chamber emphasized the importance of incorporating business growth and economic vitality, efficient permitting processes, and streamlined development services. Council indicated support for collaborative planning and welcomed the Chamber’s input into the final draft of the plan, expected to be released in Spring 2025.
Permitting and Zoning Improvements: The City provided an update on their new e-permitting system for development and building permits, which will go live the week of April 29, 2025. The new system is expected to significantly reduce processing times for building permits and development approvals. Council also highlighted service standards recently approved and discussed planned reforms to zoning bylaws—including short-term rental oversight and commercial development flexibility.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

We invite our members to share feedback on any of the advocacy topics outlined in this report. Your input ensures that we are capturing lived experiences and presenting them to the government in a way that reflects the realities facing our Yukon businesses.