Farmer uses Tablet While Looking at Crops.Farmer using digitale tablet to source agricultural information while standing in a wheat field. The internet is an invaluable source of information and is useful to the agriculture industry.
Across Canada, trade tensions with the United States are hitting close to home—and the stories are making sobering headlines.
In British Columbia, a worries about a spike in food costs—and whether those increases will have to be passed on to customers. In Newfoundland and Labrador, has paused plans to expand her business into the U.S. In Southwestern Ontario, face layoffs—and fear that more hard times are ahead—as manufacturing plants temporarily shutter.
From coast to coast, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøs are clearly feeling the effects of U.S. tariffs and Canada’s own retaliatory surtaxes. These impacts are more than financial—they’re deeply personal. A recent survey by found that ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøs are feeling angry (55%), betrayed (37%), anxious (29%) and scared (15%) amid ongoing tariff threats.
As trade tensions threaten ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø jobs, businesses and communities, it is more critical than ever to support economic resilience at the local level. Fortunately, Canada’s strength has always been its people and communities—working together to support local economies and build long-term prosperity. Today, that same spirit of co-operation is helping communities navigate these uncertain times—and credit unions are playing a vital role in that effort.
How credit unions are built for local resilience
Founded on principles of co-operation and financial security, credit unions are uniquely positioned to help ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøs weather economic challenges. While credit unions provide the same financial services as banks, they stand apart in meaningful ways.
As 100% ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø-owned financial institutions, credit unions are deeply rooted in communities nationwide. These strong local ties allow them to respond quickly and directly with flexible support for members and communities. At the same time, credit unions’ robust regulatory framework and solid financial position ensure long-term stability.
That strong foundation also enables credit unions to serve as unwavering partners for businesses. Canada’s credit unions proudly support more than 350,000 small and medium-sized businesses nationwide, providing 21% of lending to SMEs—the largest share of any financial institution. Through personalized support and working directly with those impacted by economic uncertainty, credit unions play a critical role in fostering financial resilience.
“With over 11 million members and the largest share of small business lending in the country, credit unions are uniquely positioned to support ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøs through financial stress,†says Jeff Guthrie, president and chief executive officer of the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Credit Union Association (CCUA). “Our 100% ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø-owned co-op model allows us to focus on what matters most: people, communities and  a sustainable future.â€
This emphasis on local support translates into tangible benefits for ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøs. Keeping money in local communities helps protect ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø jobs, businesses and supply chains—especially in times of economic disruption. A strong economy depends on nurturing local growth, which supports ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø businesses and strengthens supply chains. Prioritizing this approach will help protect the workforce and promote long-term stability.
“Credit unions are critical in ensuring businesses and individuals have the financial tools they need to adapt and thrive,†Guthrie says. “Built on the principles of co-operation and economic security, credit unions are able to respond quickly with flexible support, helping members navigate uncertainty with confidence.â€
By putting local needs first, credit unions are helping ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøs face today’s challenges with confidence and build a more secure future.
